File:Ndn20020717a.png

Summary

headline: "Rumours serve no purpose"

Nanaimo Daily News: Wed, July 17, 2002 "Rumours serve no purpose"

source: https://www.newspapers.com/image/326051518

clip: https://lisamarieyoung.ca/n/ndn20020717

[Reproduced under Copyright Act (Canada) s.29.2 - Fair Dealing for the purpose of news reporting]

"Rumours serve no purpose"

In the business of news, rumours abound. None are more distasteful than those which prey upon the already wounded.

Anyone with half a whit of emotional intelligence can empathize with Lisa Young's family as members ponder what might have befallen the young woman. Police have officially stated they believe Lisa may have been the victim of foul play. And that's all they've said.

If there's more to report, the Daily News will report it. Good or bad.

However, twice now, we have had to write stories to dispel rumours that a body had been found. In the more recent story, July 16, we heard from a former foster sister who has been tormented by callers and whose name was even used to spread the rumour to yet another foster sister. It has forced the two women into hiding.

The family has pleaded for respite from the media and, for the most part, we have complied.

But there is no code of honour among rumour mongers. If police find people maliciously or even falsely spreading news about Lisa Young, they should be prosecuted.

If, however, you have REAL information to share, call the police at 754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.