Dear Editor:
"New Westminster man's daughters abducted to radioactive Fukushima" (The Record online, June 27) is a great story, but a mediocre piece of journalism.
As a journalist, it is Mr. Richter's responsibility to present facts, not present one person's account of history AS FACT.
For instance, in the line "In September 2009, Gherbetti was blindsided by an accusation that landed him in jail," Mr. Richter writes this as fact that Gherbetti's wife accused him and therefore he was not guilty.
The journalist should have at least written: "Gherbetti SAYS he was blindsided."
Especially because, under a court of law, he was found guilty of that crime, and for all we know, our justice system was correct.
Secondly, the title is very misleading. Why is radioactivity so important that it has to be mentioned in the headline?
You're sensationalizing! True, one part of Fukushima is an environmentally hazardous place . but c'mon!
Does Gherbetti know for certain the daughters are inside that zone of radioactivity? Does the journalist?
I don't think so. So why include it in the headline?
This is just sensational, irresponsible journalism.
Overall, It think the story is strong and I commend Richter for being able to find such a compelling one.
I just wish it were written with higher journalistic standards in mind.
Tim Chung, by e-mail
