It goes without saying that Los Angeles has its share of crime and
crime problems. Then why would the Los Angeles Times devote a
whopping 4,709 words, five photos (plus a
small map), and valuable front-page space on its Sunday
paper to the story of a murder more than halfway across the country
in Tennessee?
Maybe the title of the article reveals the answer. The title is
"What Drove the Preacher's Wife?" (by Times staffer Peter H.
King). Ohhh. The murder was that of a Christian minister in the
"Bible Belt" of Tennessee, and it was allegedly committed by the
minister's wife. Maybe now we see why the Times has
taken an interest. A murderous Christian?! Front page!
On the surface, Peter King's profile would just appear to be an
everyday public-interest story. Unfortunately, the Times carries
with it a lengthy record of reporting and editorializing that doggedly
portray Christians in an unflattering light. Is there a subtle bias
behind the Times reporting this story in Tennessee?
Here at NewsBusters, there have been several posts illustrating the
anti-Christian tilt at the Los Angeles Times (here,
here, and
here are
just a few examples). In addition, the Times has been cited
numerous times for its inordinate and inaccurate reporting of the Church
abuse scandal. (The site
LA-ClergyCases has documented numerous instances where the Times'
reporting has fallen woefully short in accuracy and fairness.)
In addition, the Times' reporting on issues of crime has come
under question. Just last month, NewsBusters'
Mark
Finkelstein reported on the Times publishing
an op-ed
condemning the United States for deporting violent and
criminal illegal immigrants back to their home country. Also, LA
Times watchdog
Patterico has reported on the paper's questionable reporting on
illegal immigration and other issues of crime (here,
here,
here, and
here, for example).
What's the message being sent to readers of the Los Angeles Times?
While the Times has been cited for inadequately addressing
serious issues affecting their own backyard, they have no problem
delving into the details of a tragedy involving Christians in a remote
area of Tennessee.
Has the Times stepped out of its way - again - to portray
Christians in an unflattering light? If its track record is any
indication, it appears so.