This question is about journalism ethics and my rights as a private citizen. When I google my name the first thing that shows up is an article about a child molester with my exact same name (first, middle, and last) and he is from my home state and is almost my exact age. I contacted the newspaper and I got basically a rude response refusing to take the article down or include any information to differentiate me from the criminal. Could any journalism ethics committee make them change their stance?
2007-05-29 16:09:54 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in News & Events ➔ Media & Journalism
First, you can put up your own links to correct information, differentiating the two. Next, see an attorney about what to do next. You may want to talk to the local police to make sure that there is no confusion, and you may want to have the attorney advise you on how to approach the newspaper.
Good luck with it.
2007-05-29 16:16:45 · answer #1 · answered by Don M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has this caused you some trouble?
If it has not, I would think the best thing to do is to gather information so that you can prove you are not the perp if somebody suspects that you are, but not to say anything unless it comes up. You're not the only person with the same name as a criminal. Maybe you could print out a picture of him to show people that it is a different person, if you need to.
It is usually better not to bring up this kind of negative information, but to be ready to respond to it if somebody else brings it up.
2007-05-29 23:50:29 · answer #2 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's an unfortunate situation but there is nothing unethical about what the newspaper did. It didn't print anything that was untrue or misrepresent the facts. It's too bad whomever you spoke with wasn't more understanding or polite. And there's no way they could print information describing you to separate you from the criminal without opening the door to having to do that with each and every future story involving criminals and suspects.
2007-05-29 23:34:03 · answer #3 · answered by robot_hooker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would definately set up a website, or links to let people know that you are NOT the same person!!
Contact an attorney to see how to progress from there!
I feel for you!!!
2007-05-29 23:23:24 · answer #4 · answered by katsue 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be able to look up his identity in your area's sexual predator lists. They are usually available online with their address and picture. If people have questions, show them his info w/ pic.
2007-05-29 23:22:45 · answer #5 · answered by Kathy H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sucks to be you lol
2007-05-29 23:16:57 · answer #6 · answered by Sarah Luvs Paramore 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋