My letter to the editor of the Oconee Enterprise after they published the names and ages of minor sex abuse victims
Dear Editor:
I would like to know your rationale for printing the names and ages of the minors in the sex abuse trial last week as the top story. It was completely unnecessary, gratuitous and not worthy of the county organ. At least have the decency to bury it inside instead of sharing the lurid details of the Cobb family. You have done more to ruin the reputation of the Oconee Enterprise in one story than has been done in hundreds of issues previously, and you have also granted legitimacy to your competition. Additionally, why name the 13 year old if you are not going to name her boyfriend (although you do later in the story) or the boyfriend’s grandmother (both germane to the story)? The reaction on social media was swift and I think you should seriously reconsider your editorial policy concerning minors and sex abuse victims. I cannot believe that a journalist as seasoned as Blake Giles would write this, let alone edit or allow it to be published. I think it is time for some swift and appropriate action. Sleazy tabloid journalism like this has no place in Oconee County. At the very least apologize and hire someone with a little more sensitivity. What’s next? Publishing the names of rape victims?
Dan Matthews
7063721062
I would like to know your rationale for printing the names and ages of the minors in the sex abuse trial last week as the top story. It was completely unnecessary, gratuitous and not worthy of the county organ. At least have the decency to bury it inside instead of sharing the lurid details of the Cobb family. You have done more to ruin the reputation of the Oconee Enterprise in one story than has been done in hundreds of issues previously, and you have also granted legitimacy to your competition. Additionally, why name the 13 year old if you are not going to name her boyfriend (although you do later in the story) or the boyfriend’s grandmother (both germane to the story)? The reaction on social media was swift and I think you should seriously reconsider your editorial policy concerning minors and sex abuse victims. I cannot believe that a journalist as seasoned as Blake Giles would write this, let alone edit or allow it to be published. I think it is time for some swift and appropriate action. Sleazy tabloid journalism like this has no place in Oconee County. At the very least apologize and hire someone with a little more sensitivity. What’s next? Publishing the names of rape victims?
Dan Matthews
7063721062
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