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After @FOX13Memphis ran a truly irresponsible story speculating on the sexuality of a fallen Memphis Firefighter, international tabloid blogs have picked up the heinous URL used, and have run with it.
I need you guys to understand the inherent violence in what you have done.
I need you guys to understand the inherent violence in what you have done.
With zero evidence, and a vague "tip" from an unnamed police officer, the reporters responsible insinuated a meaningful link between the fallen firefighter and a Memphis park "notorious for gay sex".
Yes, that's what someone wrote.
Yes, that's what someone wrote.
So, in addition to grieving a loved one, this firefighter's family now has a new hell to navigate.
@FOX13Memphis hastily removed some of the more offensive phrases from the story, and switched up the headline.
But the damage is done.
@FOX13Memphis hastily removed some of the more offensive phrases from the story, and switched up the headline.
But the damage is done.
Ethics in journalism are fluid, they are ideally supposed to breathe and change with the times.
But one thing that is true, and has been true of any decent reporter, and decent human, is to not out someone.
Especially, e s p e c i a l l y someone who is no longer with us.
But one thing that is true, and has been true of any decent reporter, and decent human, is to not out someone.
Especially, e s p e c i a l l y someone who is no longer with us.
But you guys did that, through unsupported insinuations and with reckless abandon.
You can't technically slander the dead, and station managers know this. I have no doubt this fact served as a shield, even an unconscious one, when this story was aired.
You can't technically slander the dead, and station managers know this. I have no doubt this fact served as a shield, even an unconscious one, when this story was aired.
There are many, many things that are disgusting about this whole incident that @FOX13Memphis created. But, especially troublesome is that this station will likely not face any legal ramifications from this. And they should.
I never knew I could be this angry with another outlet. I don't wish lawsuits and firings lightly on any reporters, especially when it's so damn hard to stay employed in this field to begin with.
But because @FOX13Memphis has not taken any accountability with their truly homophobic and vile decision to run this story, because they are seemingly determined to not hold themselves accountable in any way...I do hope legal action is coming y'alls way.
If nothing else, everyone who touched this story should be required to commit many, many hours of professional development around reporting on LGBTQ issues.
And for damn sure, everyone owes that man's family a huge apology.
Do something, anything.
And for damn sure, everyone owes that man's family a huge apology.
Do something, anything.
