Protect Our Children From the Media

On February 11, 2006 my daughter was put on the WDAF 4 Saturday morning show in Kansas City, Missouri. Her picture, first name, and last name were put on the air without my consent for her 1st birthday. Another family member who is not a legal guardian had sent it in without my permission. I had emailed WDAF 4, to let them know I was not happy about this situation. I am a parent and my job is to protect my child! I do not want sex offenders, child molesters, or any other sick person to be able to obtain this information about my child. Below are the emails between the V.P., News Bryan McGruder and myself.
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----- Original Message -----
From: Rebecca
To: FOX4
NewsSent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 10:24
AMSubject: Disturbed

To Whom It May Concern,I would like to inform you of a situation I am deeply disturbed over. I recently found out that my one-year-old daughter was posted on your Saturday morning show with her picture and first and last name. I, her mother, never gave you consent to put my child on your station. A family member was the one who sent the picture into you, and she is NOT her legal guardian. I understand freedom of the press, but this is a child. I don't agree with you releasing an innocent defenseless child's information for any sex offender to obtain. I might not have been as concerned if is was just her first name, but her last also?

In my opinion you should rethink the way you do this morning birthday thing. I wouldn't put the child's last name up. Also you should have some kind of form for the PARENT to fill out, not just anyone. I am so frustrated with this. Hopefully you can fix something! I will make sure this is one station I will no longer view!

Sincerely,Rebecca

----- Original Message -----
From: FOX4 News
To: Rebecca
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 11:26
AMSubject: Re: Disturbed

Rebecca,
I dont believe we put your child at risk by airing her name and picture. When requested, we air first names only but received no such request in this case. Thanks for your concern. We would never air the name(s) of the parents, city, address or any other identifying information that would put a child at risk.

Bryan McGruder
V.P., News
WDAF-TV -

---- Original Message -----
From: Rebecca
To: FOX4 News
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 12:14
PMSubject: Re: Disturbed

Bryan,

Well I can see how "concerned" you are over others feelings. And to be quit honest, I don't think I asked for your opinion on what you thought was putting my child at risk. I am her parent, and if I don't agree with it, that's my choice. All I was hoping for was a sympathetic apology for not having my consent and instead I get a "it's not our fault" deal. How do you know what may be putting my child at risk? You don't!

With today's technology, it does not take much to find information on a child or any person for that matter. You do not need the parents names, city, address, or any other identifying information.

I have spoke with many parents about this situation in the past couple days. Many of these parents with an exception of a few, agree with me on not putting the last name of a child on a television show. If you would like I would be more then happy to start a petition and mail it to you so you can see how many parents this does bother! Are you not the least bit concerned with what your viewers think?

Sincerely,
Rebecca

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1. A childs/minors information should not be publicly broadcasted for viewer to obtain unless it helping a child who is presently in a threatening situation.

2. If an event calls for a childs/minors information to be released to the press, the parent or legal guardian should have an option to what information is released.

3. The parent or legal guardian must fill out a proper legal document in such a case to release the childs/minors information.

As parents, teachers, members of our communities it is our job to protect our children. We should provide a safe environment that our children feel secure in. Members of the press and media should respect the parents and legal guardians opinions and not release such information for any person to obtain.