There’s No Story, Just a Slap in the Face

Thanks to Howard Rosenberg for his criticism of the news media for its silly coverage of the Linda McCartney “scandal” (“Live Slap to Real News,” April 24). In fact, just as I was beginning to question my conservative view of what defines news, Rosenberg confirmed for me that the front page of The Times (with its own McCartney story, too) is covered with fluff, speculation and opinion.

HOWARD SCHLOSSBERG

Woodland Hills

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God help me, I agree with Rosenberg again. The sight of the vacuous Paul Moyer throwing it to the equally moronic Chuck Henry so that he could condemn the McCartneys’ handling of the announcement of Linda’s death was indeed sickening.

Notice that Henry had no sound bite from indignant fans supporting his proclamation that they’d been “slapped in the face.” It was strictly his idiotic, meandering commentary, which would nauseate any true journalist.

Of course, that shouldn’t be a problem with the Channel 4 “News,” since there aren’t any journalists there to offend.

DOUG TRAER

Studio City

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What’s upsetting, aside from Linda McCartney’s sad loss to cancer, is the media’s unrelenting push to make a story where there isn’t one. If television, and the news media in particular, truly reflect the public’s concerns, then why does it appear as if the only supporters of this “breaking news story” are the few mindless anchors, reporters and producers?

What if we all stood up in unison and claimed that we don’t care that the McCartneys lied to protect their privacy? Would the coverage stop? No. The public does not impact, or even slightly influence, television; it’s a slap in the face of all Americans, Mr. Rosenberg.

CAROL SOUDAH

Glendale

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I find it sad that the media fail to see that it is as a result of their “in your face” poor excuse for journalism and constant dogging of celebrities and civilians alike that people feel as though they must mislead the press if they are to have a moment of privacy at such a mournful time. The McCartney press spokesman deserves a raise for having the foresight to divert the media and protect the grieving family at this sad time.

Thank you, Howard Rosenberg, for using your responsible forum to give voice to opinions shared by we who feel the media go way too far. This is what the public has a right to know.

JAN PASCALE

Studio City

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I’m in complete agreement with Rosenberg regarding the media circus atmosphere surrounding Paul McCartney’s plight in trying to protect his family’s privacy. KNBC and many others once again revealed the ever-sinking new lows that seem to be the hallmark of local newscasts.

However, before Rosenberg and The Times ride so high and mighty on their “journalistic” high horse: Maybe someone should have looked in the Life & Style section the very same day to find a horrific Linda McCartney joke listed No. 1 in your feature Laugh Lines.

Just what decor would you choose for your glass house?

MARY STIEGER

Encino