Letter: Tabloids give mainstream media undeserved black eye

Saturday, Sept. 6, 1997 | 11:35 a.m.

A recent book tour gave me an insight to the media I've never before had, and after the smoke cleared, I found many of the men and women who make their living as part of that media-whole to be caring individuals with a talent deserving of respect. The few who probed into unimportant gray areas were in the minority.

The tragic death of Princess Diana now brings that same small segment of a journalistic society that thrives on scandal and smut to the forefront, making it appear as though all who labor honestly in a most distinguished profession are guilty of the sins of a few.

In an impassioned statement to the world, the brother of Princess Diana blamed the paparazzi for her death. To a small extent this is true, but for the larger picture it is only half the story. Television shows, newspapers and magazines that subscribe to this cash-for-trash style of reporting would quickly change their methods of operation if the viewers and the readers simply stopped supporting them.

There would be little sense in offering a million dollars for a picture if no one paid to look at it.

No greater tribute could be given the fallen princess than to state that her tragic death stood for a return to common decency on a world level.

G. Peter Collins