Letter: Feeding demand

WHILST not condoning in any way the events surrounding News International, I have to take issue with Ian Johnstone's rant on what he refers to as the "gutter press" (Letters, 21 July).

These newspapers exist because there is a demand for what they print. The News of the World was the world's best-selling newspaper.

There appears to be an insatiable appetite among the general public for details of the lifestyles, misdemeanours and, particularly, the sex lives of persons in the public eye. Journalists do not create demand, they feed it.

The printed word is not the only medium to follow the agenda. I find it sick when TV cameras zoom in on individuals who have just suffered some horrendous experience to show their tears.

How does Mr Johnstone categorise the News of the World's 3.5 million readers and does he have any ideas about how the demand can be eliminated? Or is he suggesting that the government should close down 80 per cent of the newspaper and magazine industry now to protect the general public from themselves?

MIKE UNDERWOOD

Friars Brae

Linlithgow