It is sheer sensationalism and the wish to increase circulation on your part that you would do that. I cannot believe how far the media will go in order to get a story. Fans said they are especially appalled that the newspaper would go against the wishes of Earnhardt's widow. Several news organizations support the Sentinel's efforts to view the photos, the Sentinel said. Those organizations include the Society of Professional Journalists, The Associated Press Sports Editors, The Miami Herald, The Tampa Tribune, the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times.
News organizations argue that there is an important principle freedom of information at stake.
We understand they're outraged, but there's an important principle at stake here. Sentinel managing editor Jane E. Healy said the newspaper's main concern is finding out what caused Earnhardt' s death. Barbara Petersen, executive director of the First Amendment Foundation in Tallahassee, said the restrictions contemplated by lawmakers would be a big mistake and clearly unconstitutional. She said the public records law serves as a check on medical examiners who may feel political pressure to render a particular cause of death. The Associated Press.