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Should people accused and convicted of crimes be named in the news?
From the Toronto Star, March 30, 2021
By Romayne Smith Fullerton
A recent superior court justice’s decision to call the man convicted in the Toronto van attacks “John Doe” sparked a public conversation about naming perpetrators in the media. There are those advocating for “tell all” on one side and those arguing the importance of denying the attacker the infamy he said he wanted on the other.
The choice appears black and white but when it comes to naming names — of accused and convicted — there are more than 50 shades of grey. And around the world, journalists make different decisions that reflect different histories, economies and political situations.
The criteria for decisions about naming should be what citizens need — not want — to know. Shaming those who’ve gone astray has no place in ethical coverage. That’s not journalism’s job (continue reading).
