TV Coverage of Freeway Suicide

Re “Man Kills Self as City Watches,” May 1:

Why in the world did we have to witness on live television the suicide of a man and the burning death of his dog? Was this really news? I think not! The local news stations did have the obligation of informing the public about the freeway closures and the desperate situation, but that was it. No news helicopters needed to be present. What unfolded that day was not news, just ratings. Now, several news organizations are apologizing. Well, I think that it is too little too late.

PALMA SCIRONE

Moorpark

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Regarding the tragic affair at the 105 and Harbor freeways, it is a gross misuse of police power to shut down everything and then declare the whole interchange a crime scene while waiting a good 40 minutes for the bomb squad that might have been put on alert when things started developing. If one crazy can shut down the city for hours while the authorities don’t immediately structure some traffic relief, it is a scandal. You have only to look at the TV pictures of the dozens of police near their vehicles talking to each other and standing around.

LEON LYON

Newport Beach

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I, for one, am not afraid or ashamed to say that I am disappointed that I did not get to see the whole freeway suicide, beginning to end, unedited and uncensored. I find it hilarious to hear people complain that they had to see this. When I do not wish to see or hear anything on the TV, I change the channel, I turn it off. This scene is no more horrific than Freddie Krueger or “Scanners.” Ratings were never higher. We love this stuff! Bring it on!

VINCENT M. McDONOUGH

Costa Mesa

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The TV “news” media must not be allowed to avoid responsibility. The guidelines that the entire TV industry must use for what is right can be found in two questions: Would I want my child or grandchild to see this; should I view it myself? Have I done everything humanly possible to give others this choice?

We must demand from the TV industry an effective technological solution that will allow the viewer to have maximum control, other than the on-off switch, to filter out programming we don’t want in our homes. And finally, we must accept responsibility for the self-discipline to use that technology to be our best. If we chose to watch the horror and then were horrified, what did we expect to see?

ALEX MORALES

Upland

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Considering that this suicidal man unfurled his anti-HMO banner on the freeway pointed up toward the anxious gaze of the helicopters’ TV cameras, the phrase “media-assisted suicide” should now come into our vernacular.

VINCE CURTIS

Oak Park