posted 14 May 2002 07:45 PM                   

If so, please complain to CFTO at:: cftonews@ctv.ca

Subject: CFTO News At 6 - May 14 - COMPLAINT

I was appalled and angered at how the news story about the 6 year old girl who died in a fire at (...address witheld...) in Toronto was reported.

Your news anchor - quite rightly - said the name would NOT be released as the father had not been advised as yet.

Then - in a ridiculous turnaround - the news video clearly shows the home in question and reports the exact address of the home !!!

Imagine the grief and shock of the father who finds this out by watching TV or hears from friends who ask to confirm the address !!!

AND - to compound the stupidty - when I called your station to complain, I was relayed to a news director (Ian) who had the unbelievable gall to say, "Well the father is separated anway".

What the hell has that got to do with it? Do all your news people subscribe to puritanical views that separated or divorced people are somehow less entitled to compassion? And by what right does he relay that private information to a stranger on the telephone?

I am disgusted with your values in reporting and will be taking this complaint further.

Sincerely, lonewolf@idirect.com