Indy WTHR-NBC reporter "Worst in the Nation" for Taysia Elzy coverage
Filed by: Bil Browning
January 23, 2009 11:30 AM
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/01/indy_wthr-nbc_reporter_worst_in_the_nati.phpalso
http://pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=9188Apparently, I'm not the only person upset with the Indianapolis media coverage of the Taysia Elzy and Michael Hunt double homicide. GLAAD has recently named WTHR-13 (NBC) reporter Steve Jefferson the "worst of national news" for December.
Steve_Jefferson_WTHR.jpgThe org documents their efforts to reach out to Jefferson and provide "extensive resources" on how to better report on LGBT issues. Not only was Jefferson's piece patently offensive, but it clearly violated the Associated Press style guidelines. I also attempted to contact Jefferson and unlike every other reporter who covered the case, he wouldn't return any e-mails or phone calls. He did, however, respond to GLAAD. He turned defensive and sent bitter e-mails back to GLAAD staffers including this gem: "Our goal is to catch the killer- NOT promote your cause."
Actually, Steve, your job is to report the news. Your job is not to catch criminals, it's to be an impartial, unbiased source of news and information without resorting to sensationalizing and disrespecting victims of a violent crime. This is why you are the worst journalist in the nation; you deserve the honor.
