1. The Ethical Frame Behind Covering Suicides
David Abernathy

2. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S for all ages and the second leading cause of death for ages
Suicide among males is 4x’s higher than among females. Male deaths represent 79% of all US suicides.

3. Given Such a Sensitive Topic, How Should the Media Handle Suicide?

4. Covering Suicide According to the SPJ Code of Ethics
Suicide was never mentioned in the SPJ until recently when the third revision added language regarding suicide in July of 2014 (one month after Robin Williams’ death in August)

5. Covering Suicide According to the SPJ Code of Ethics
Language Added: “Be cautious about reporting suicides that do not involve a public person or a public place.”
Just as is the case in many other aspects of the SPJ, public figures and private figures differ dramatically in regards to media coverage.

6. Covering a Private Figure’s Suicide
It may not be necessary to report on a private figures death and if it does warrant some coverage, exercise extreme caution in order to minimize harm.

7. In the case of Robin Williams, he is not a legally defined private figure, therefore, his suicide warrants media coverage.
SPJ: “private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than public figures and others who seek power, influence or attention.”
Is everything now up for grabs?

8. Covering a Public Figure’s Suicide
Legally, yes, everything can be reported on a public figure even after death.
SPJ: “Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect.”
Where does one draw the line ethically speaking?
How much coverage does Williams’s Warrant?

9. Where to Draw the Line Ethically?
SPJ: “legal access to information differs from an ethical justification to publish or broadcast.”
Report the broad facts of the suicide, but perhaps use caution when delving into detailed, personal information. (Ex: notes left behind meant for family)

10. Solution
Kevin Smith (member of SPJ Ethics Committee): “take out the legal guidelines and think about Williams being a person first and a celebrity second.”

11. Sources
SAVE works with Facebook . (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2015, from Smith, K. (2014, August 13). Ethics of covering suicides. Retrieved April 7, 2015, from Society of Professional JournalistsImproving and protecting journalism since (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2015, from Youth Suicide Statistics - Parent Resource Program. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2015, from