FORMER AP CHIEF ASKS: Why the Jeong Im story pseudonyms?

ChartoCOLUMBIA, 11/2/09 (Beat Bytes) --  A former Jefferson City Associated Press bureau chief and MU spokesperson has questioned the use of pseudonyms in a recent Heart Beat series on the 2005 murder of Dr. Jeong Im.

"I always enjoy the Heartbeat, and I appreciate your efforts," Scott Charton, who now runs Charton Communications and Consulting in Columbia, emailed.  "As a retired journalist, I'm a bit puzzled about the technique of using pseudonyms in your Dr. Im followups.  What's the reasoning?"

Instead of real names, I used pseudonyms for two alleged suspects; an MU police officer who named one of the suspects; and two women who won stalking and harassment restraining orders against the other suspect on unrelated matters.   

 

Though I will release those names on background to reporters with bona-fide credentials and law enforcement officials, I used pseudonyms to achieve a balance. MU police have filed no charges; and neither suspect has, to my knowledge, retained legal counsel, leaving them at an extraordinary disadvantage to the legal system. At the same time, the public has a right to know what public officials are doing, in a manner that does not compromise an investigation.

 

Though no one insisted that I omit their name, and though I was under no obligation to do so, I felt it best to tread lightly, and report what I found the best way I could. -- Mike Martin

 

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http://www.umsystem.edu/ums/news/releases/news05091401.shtml