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News :: Miscellaneous |
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News-Gazette Refuses to Protect Letter-Writers |
Current rating: 0 |
by Sarah Kanouse
Email: kanouse (nospam) uiuc.edu (unverified!)
Phone: 384-5346
Address: 604 S. Race, Urbana |
19 Sep 2001
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John Beck, editorial staff at the News-Gazette, refused to reconsider the newspaper's policy of printing names for all letters to the editor, despite evidence that those who express unpopular views may be harassed by readers. He cited issues of accountability in explaining his decision. |
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On Tuesday, I spoke to John Beck, editorial staff at the News-Gazette, to ask him to reconsider the paper's policy of publishing names for all letters to the editor on the grounds that those who express unpopular views, especially regarding the US response to the terrorist attacks, may be harassed. He refused to reconsider the policy, explaining that the News-Gazette believes that printing names encourages an accountability that would not be maintained if the newspaper kept correspondents names on file but did not publish them. He also disputed my claim that fear of reprisal may prevent individuals with unpopular opinions from expressing them, citing a large volume of mail expressing pacifist sentiments. I respectfully disagreed and informed him that I would ask anyone I knew who was harassed as a result of a letter to contact him personally. Please do so. His email address is beck (at) news-gazette.com, and his telephone number is 351-5212. |
