Suggestion for Media Practices

[LSL]

Too often the media "If it bleeds, it leads" attitude is an abrupt abbreviation of the facts.

What if the CCW/CHL community - individually and collectively - politely contacts various radio, TV, newspaper outlets, as well as law enforcement public information officers, asking that every time a story involving the use of guns -- long guns or handguns -- that, as a practice, the following information be included to offer more complete information.

What type of firearm was involved - rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
Was the gun user licensed as a CCW/CHL holder?
Was the victim licensed as a CCW/CHL holder?

By completely conveying a bit more information on the background of a gun user, the public might clearly see who use guns under what type of situation. Texas CHL statistics, required to be collected and available to the public, show that it is a very small percentage of state cases annually involve a CHL holder, and of that, the percentage specifically dealing with a CHL prohibited practice is extremely insignificant.

Just suggesting.

[fishman]

Is it the medias business if someone is a CHL?

[Thomas]

Is it the medias business if someone is a CHL?

Don't they usually find out anyway and tell us because it makes the story that much more juicy. Private citizens rights be damned. "Lets go campout in front of this guy's house!" - says the "news" reporter.

[fishman]

But it wouldn't be ok to follow the reporter home because that would be stalking!