It is a tough time for the newspaper business. At least 120 newspapers have shutdown since January of 2008 in the United States. Those that have survived are scrambling for ways to increase revenue. The latest way many Florida newspapers have tried to increase ad rates on their websites is to publish mug shots of those recently arrested on criminal charges. The practice has become controversial.
Ethicists are calling the practice of posting photos of those recently arrested ”journalistic malpractice” and “ethically bankrupt”. Newspaper editors defend the practice as reporting on crime which is a primary mission of a newspaper. (read more). Either way it is popular. In May, the booking blotter generated about 52 percent of the 45.2 million page views to The Palm Beach Post’s websites according to a recent newspaper report. The main problem according to some is that there is no follow-up. If the person pictured in the mug shot is released with no charges being filed or acquitted of the criminal act, there is never any mention of that.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Tampa please do not hesitate to contact Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer Stephen Higgins at 1-800-FIGHT-IT or online at fightyourcase.com to discuss the matter.