Contrary to popular belief, journalists do take the feelings of family and friends into consideration with each story written.
Whether it is a drug bust, a deadly shooting or a fatal automobile accident, the family always weighs heavy on the hearts and minds of journalists and photographers. Each time a journalist sits down in front of his or her computer to write one of those “tough” stories, words are not the only things on their minds. The victim or suspect is not just the subject of the story, but someone’s family member, and we recognize that. In addition, our own family members often come to mind; their safety and well being.
The last few weeks have been tough for residents of Grenada County following the tragic death of Kirk Academy senior Leah Fielder last Friday afternoon following a horrific ATV accident. In late September, John Edward “Bubba” Flanagan Jr., was shot dead at his Futheyville home and Grenada’s James Wayne Thompson was later arrested and charged with his murder. And still today, the family of Grenada’s Robert C. “Bert” Bell, killed more than three decades ago after being shot nine times while working at a rural Grenada County grocery store, are fighting for justice as Frederick Bell – no relation – the man jailed for life in his killing was granted parole.
During these times, which seem to happen more often than we would like, the staff with The Grenada Star has to make many challenging decisions revolving around tragic events. The realization is that there will be an empty seat in May during KA’s graduation ceremony. Fewer place settings will surround numerous dinner tables this Thanksgiving. And no matter the outcome, the Bells will continue to mourn their loved one this Christmas and fight for justice.
Unfortunately, this reporter has been exposed to numerous tragic events since a young age. Prior to my sixth-grade year, my childhood best friends, brothers, Chris and Craig, were killed in a crash on a dark Tennessee interstate, while traveling with their father, a truck driver. Prior to my 13th birthday, my father’s mother, fondly referred to as “Nanny Hogan,” was shot numerous times, remained in a coma for weeks and later died as a result of murder. In junior high school, a friend took his own life, and throughout high school, four classmates were killed, two of which were in my senior class. Early in my journalism career, many automobile accidents and other heartbreaking events that claimed the lives of classmates, friends and even family members were covered.
I once sat on the front porch of a south Alabama home with a mother of a teenager beaten and stabbed to death in her front yard, listening to her hum “Jesus Loves Me,” as she recalled her son’s short life. Never once did she question why I was there. She knew I had a job to do, even if it was tough on each of us in different ways. She even commented that she hoped at least one person’s life could be saved from her heart-breaking experience.
I remember each of those events like they were yesterday, and each time I have to cover another tragic event, all of those memories come rushing back. I remember the victims; their names and the events surrounding their tragic deaths. None are easier than others; they are all tough to deal with and take days to recover from.
Even though it is tough for family members to hear or see, rumors do fly quickly, especially in small communities, so journalists are simply trying to set the record straight. With Internet technology; websites and social networks, word spreads even quicker. Those type information forums are also used daily to gauge when tragic information is released. Often times, readers are requesting information from newspapers seeking details surrounding an event prior to it being released or before the staff’s have had time to post the information they may have. The information is also used to inform the public of possible dangers such as an armed assailant on the run.
Journalism is a tougher career than some people may think. We have shed many tears with victims’ families and our own following these tragic events. Unfortunately, tragedy occurs and we must be the watchdog of our community to report the facts, tell the truth and celebrate the lives lost through our words.
Adam Prestridge is publisher of The Grenada Star. He can be reached at (662) 226-4321 or by email at aprestridge@grenadastar.com
