Crime reporting is the most serious of topics journalists report on. The listing of names in a crime story can have drastic and lifelong consequences for the person, not always warranted.

What’s the problem

Currently, the Missourian lists names of arrestees in stories without charges being filed. The Missourian also lists names and doesn’t follow up on the case until disposition. In talking with industry professionals, including journalism ethics experts, the issue of naming has often arose in discussions. Through those discussions and other research, we have formed a proposal:

What needs to change

• Remove the names of arrestees from Crime Watch. The mission and purpose of Crime Watch will remain the same.
  
• Only report names if the Missourian plans to report and publish news on the case until disposition.

Click on the above pages for more on each proposed reform.