Saturday, April 09, 2011

WYFF-TV, Read Your AP Stylebook

Here we go again with more AP Stylebook failure filled 'reporting' on transpeople.   

Before I get started, let's review what the AP Stylebook says about how you write reports about transpeople. 

transgender-Use the pronoun preferred by the individuals who have acquired the physical characteristics of the opposite sex or present themselves in a way that does not correspond with their sex at birth.   

If that preference is not expressed, use the pronoun consistent with the way the individuals live publicly.


The picture gracing this post is of 22 year old Toni Silva of Greenville, SC.   She was reported missing and feared kidnapped after disappearing from the parking lot of a local nightclub

Here's how WYFF-TV reported the story,  and here's the way it should have been written according to the AP Stylebook

GCSO: Transgender Woman Found Safe

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office said the transgender victim who was possibly kidnapped has been found safe.

Deputies were looking for Toni Silva, a 22-year-old Hispanic transgender female.  Investigators thought Silva may have been kidnapped at about 4:20 a.m. Friday in the parking lot of Mexicali, located at 1302 Cedar Lane Road in Greenville.

Deputies said Silva was found in the Poe Mill area Friday afternoon.Deputies said they determined that Silva was not the victim of a kidnapping, and that she left the club willingly with the subjects who were being sought as her possible abductors.

Now, was that so hard WYFF-TV?    Then why is it so difficult for you so called professional journalists to do it?




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