Is media to blame for the recent shooting tragedies?

Some say yes.

By Colleen Hogan

CREATED Dec. 16, 2012

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - Does the non-stop coverage the news media gives to horrific events like the Newtown school shooting do more harm than good?

Could it encourage other disturbed people to commit some terrible act to top the last one?

That's the question Four In Your Corner's Colleen Hogan is getting reaction to Sunday.
 
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"I'm not saying don't cover the story," Ft. Myers resident Jason Barrett said of the shooting. "But let's not glorify it and make it more than it is."
 
Barrett worries about the non-stop coverage and what the graphic images could do to other disturbed people out there.
 
"There's some sickos out there that thrive on that," he said. "There's some people who think, 'Hmm, an elementary school. How can I top that?"
 
It's been part of the discussion on social media sites like Facebook since the shooting happened and many celebs are weighing in.
 
Actor Morgan Freeman blasting the news media, saying it's responsible. 
 
"Flip on the news and watch how we treat the Batman theater shooter and the Oregon mall shooter like celebrities," he said in a statement. "Disturbed people who would otherwise just off themselves in their basements see the news and want to top it by doing something worse, and going out in a memorable way."
 
"To some people he's a hero," Barrett said.
 
The stories of the victims are coming out this weekend as well as their pictures.
 
Now we want to know what you think. Is the media responsible for these tragedies? Sound off right now when you call our Viewer's Voice line at 239-206-FOX 4
 
Colleen Hogan, reporter
chogan@jrn.com