RESOLUTION RS2017-882

A resolution requesting and encouraging greater sensitivity and decorum from Nashville news media outlets regarding reports of juvenile deaths.

WHEREAS, The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of the press and prevents news media censorship by the government; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council fully supports the news media’s First Amendment rights and adheres to the principle that prior restraint is unconstitutional; and

WHEREAS, the news media serves its consumers and the general public by disseminating news in the public interest, which includes crime stories and the reporting of deaths resulting from such crimes, including juvenile deaths; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council submits that the manner in which juvenile deaths are reported by the news media requires sensitivity and decorum to avoid furthering the agony of bereaved family members and the glamorization of death and violence; and

WHEREAS, families of juvenile victims of crime can be severely impacted by the manner in which deaths are reported by news media outlets, further magnifying their grief; and

WHEREAS, while news of criminal activity and the tragic deaths that result should continue to be responsibly reported, local news media outlets should exercise proper restraint, propriety and empathy for the secondary victims of these deaths – family members.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNTY COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as respectfully requesting greater decorum from the local news media outlets when reporting juvenile deaths resulting from crime.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is hereby directed to send a copy of this Resolution upon its adoption to the major news media outlets located in Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Sharon Hurt