Coverage of a death invades privacy
By Gina Cuclis
Updated 1/20/11 - Thank you to the Press Democrat which responded to criticism with appropriate action. It moved the story from its politics site to its main news site, and also changed the headline.
Our community is struggling today with the sad news of the unexpected death of the husband of a Sonoma County Supervisor. This tragic situation is made worse by how the area's daily newspaper is reporting it.
This is not a political story
The Press Democrat has posted the information about the death on its politics website, Watch Sonoma County. This site is designed to elicit comment for the purpose of readers discussing news about political campaigns, government and other political issues. It's insensitive and misguided to treat this tragic story as political news just because the individual was married to an elected official. This is not a story that belongs on a platform intended for political debate.
Should be treated with sensitivity
I'm backing into the main issue surrounding this story — the issue of reporting suicides. How the PD is covering this raises serious questions in my mind about invasion of privacy.
I remember when I was in college taking journalism classes we were taught not to report suicides unless the person was well known. I suppose by local standards, one could say the spouse of a local elected official is a well known individual.
But where is the line in terms of protecting the family's privacy? Just how much information should we expect to be given about this family's personal tragedy? I believe in government transparency and the public's right to know what our elected officials are doing on the taxpayer's dime. But do we really have the right to know the details, as reported, of how this man chose to take his life, and where and by whom he was found?
Consider future coverage
This story's digital footprint will likely be online forever, reminding family and friends of the tragedy with every Google search of Sonoma County. I hope the PD, and all local newspapers, will take a step back and consider what is the right thing to do to respect family privacy in our digital age.
What do you think? Do the families of local elected officials have a right to privacy? How should suicides be reported? Please share your thoughts. Thank you.
Posted by Gina Cuclis at 1/19/2011 6:57 PM 
Categories: Newspapers
Tags: Santa Rosa Press Democrat newspapers news suicide
Categories: Newspapers
Tags: Santa Rosa Press Democrat newspapers news suicide
I think the premise that this is unfortunate turn of events being all about Shirlee Zane is disingenuous. It is a terrible tragedy*. (*with ramifications)
He was the CFO (if not in title, in function) of Ursuline High School. Married to a County Supervisor, and regularly opening his home to the wheelers & dealers & political power brokers of the area. You bet this is an issue that deserves coverage*. (*careful, sensitive and deliberate coverage)
Time will heal the wounds. Careful & accurate reporting will also respect the community as well as the tragedy.
~jake
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It did bother me a bit...although I appreciated that they didn't put the method until the END of the article instead of the headline...but why even mention it at all?!?
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