The various stories about the Jovan Belcher murder/suicide have been the most popular items all week on KansasCity.com. But popularity isn't necessarily the driving factor in deciding what's important, and this emailer says "enough."
Okay....at some point you have to stop with this intense coverage of the murder-suicide by the Chief's player. The article on the sports page by Tony Rizzo is a prime example. There is no real news in this story, just endless speculation and interviews with people not connected to the family about what happens to this baby. There are many babies and children in this city that have had the same thing happen and who will not have anywhere near the resources/money that this child will have. The paper reminds me of that mindless TV show "Entertainment Tonight."
I'm not sure I agree that the story about custody laws is just speculation myself, but I do get this emailer's overall point. The line between satisfying readers' curiosity about such an unusual and narratively compelling story and keeping the events in perspective in regards to their actual news value is a highly subjective one. I've heard from others with different viewpoints as well, and may visit the topic for a column.
Definitely speculation
There is no indication at this point that there will be a custody battle over the child, much less a "hotly-contested" one. If the families cooperate and work in the best interest of the child, there is no story. I agree that this may not be the likeliest of outcomes, but it's none of my business anyway.
I don't have to read it if I'm not interested
I haven't read 10% of the coverage on this story, but it doesn't bother me a bit. I understand that it's a big story (on all the national media as well) and there is a lot of interest in it. Though, obviously it takes the place of other stories that could be reported on, I find plenty to read in the paper and on the Star website, so I really can't fault the coverage.
Squeezes Out
If Belcher coverage is in, something else is out.
Yes too much.
Way too much.