Does the Media Have the Responsibility and Right to Publish the Names of Gun Owners?
In the wake of the murders in Connecticut, the Journal News ran a story with the names and addresses of gunowners in Westchester and Rockland counties.
On Dec. 22, LoHud.com, powered by Journal News, released a story titled “Map: Where are the gun permits in your neighborhood?” Based on information acquired through the Freedom of Information requests made to Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties, the maps have dots that indicate and list the names and addresses of those in the community with permits for pistols or handguns. The map, along with the accompanying article by Dwight R. Worley, “The gun owner next door: What you don't know about the weapons in your neighborhood,” have generated more angry comments about irresponsible journalism rather than support of publication of this type of information. The paper has upheld its decision based on the public’s need to know and that the …
JK
11:19 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
We just had an article in the Patch about a local gun shop getting robbed. Publishing the addresses of residences of license holders, in which there are probably guns, will subject homeowners to this same possibility. The robbery happened at around 1 am in the morning, a time during which most homeowners are asleep in bed. more ›