One of the many things that the recent attack in Newtown, CT has done is to highlight how much the media outlets insist on producing sensationalist and, at times, inaccurate reports that cause additional harm beyond events themselves, rather than respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved.
Examples of this:
1. Broadcasting with limited facts while filling time with speculation and guess work.
2. Interviewing those involved while they are still in shock.
3. Interviewing CHILDREN who have no idea how serious the issue is.
4. Using Facebook as a resource without vetting the information for accuracy, harming the reputation of innocent persons.
5. Intentionally using the story to cause further alarm and to incite an emotional fear response in viewers so they will continue watching.