Terrible news, terrible headline
This morning’s paper brings us the terrible news that John Brogden attempted suicide last night. He was found unconscious in his electorate office, suffering the effects of drugs, alcohol and self-inflicted stab wounds. Given that The Australian knew about this tragedy, perhaps it should have reconsidered the tasteless headline on Emma Tom’s column: Incorrect postage insult winds up in dead leader office.
Courier-Mail had a story about his other indiscretions. Pathetic really.
Apparently, according to Howard Sattler, it seems that the leaks are emenating from one Senator Bill Heffernan, and we know his track record re smearing people.
Sad state of affairs really.
I don’t actually think there’s anything wrong with the Australian printing the article, except that the headline was not in good taste in light of what happened overnight. I thought the article made a good point, albeit I don’t much like Emma Tom’s writing.
The information the press are reporting seems fair enough – it’s just a matter of assessing how far they’re going in smearing him after events yesterday.
I dunno – I have some experience, now, in trying to come up with a snappy headline, and it’s bloody hard work.
I’d be loathe to give one up, no matter how inappropriate it turned out to be, in light of later events.
My favourite is still the Sun’s headline after the election of the new Pope Benedict – PAPA RAZZI!!!