Ask the newsroom

Don’t give them a podium

I came across a news report, which took up a quarter page in Gulf News (“Banker sacked for hateful social media post about murder”, Gulf

News, April 14). We all know that it referred to a very tragic incident, which was a disgrace for the whole country. But I was a bit surprised to see news that highlighted a banker’s post on Facebook, wherein he applauded the killing of the child. Gulf News needs to understand that in any society, there will be people who have a criminal mentality and think differently from others. They are definitely not a representation of any society and the percentage of such people could be less than one per cent. I am not saying the newspaper should not report such incidents. But please don’t give much importance to this kind of news, with such extensive coverage. It is the newspaper’s right to decide what to publish and what not to publish. However, we all have a social responsibility, especially media houses, as they reach millions of people.

From Mr Prachod Kumar

UAE

Thank you for taking the time to express your views. Gulf News does not highlight positive or negative news. It reports news as it happens. In this case, a banker stuck his neck out on social media and was suspended by his employers. As a responsible newspaper, it is our duty to report this news. Also, the story served as a warning to those who use social media irresponsibly. It showed an insensitive human being but a sensitive employer.

Gulf News

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