Who determines what is newsworthy?

Foxy Felon Threatens TSG - February 21, 2006

The Smoking Gun got a letter from a law firm insisting that they remove a photo of a felon from their website. Admittedly, this particular felon is attractive. She also sold 49 Ecstasy tablets to an undercover cop, and The Smoking Gun got the information from public records. In fact, her photo and other identifying information is listed on the website of the Florida Department of Corrections.

So why isn't this law firm going after the Florida Department of Corrections? Could it be because they can't get any money from them, but they might be able to get some money from Court TV? That would be my guess, since in that same letter they also demand information on Court TV's insurance policies.

The law firm claims that people are commenting about her on blogs, that one blog even records sightings of her, and others admit that they use her photo for self-gratification purposes. They seem to think their client is in danger. They don't name these blogs, though. Obviously, it's not mine.

Here's a question for you. Why isn't anyone concerned about the danger inherent in someone selling 49 Ecstasy tablets? Geez Louise, that's enough to kill somebody.

So, who decides whether it's newsworthy? The media, or the lawyers? If there's nothing libelous in there, it's public record and I don't see why it can't be placed on a website run by Court TV. After all, she did commit a crime and was found guilty. In fact, she's still on probation.

The Smoking Gun not only printed the letter from the lawyer, but also refused to remove the entry. LOL