Respectable newspapers

The editorial "The Impact of Scandal-Mongering," Sept. 3, states: "Little wonder that it has moved out of the back alleys of journalism to boost the newsstand sales and viewer ratings of respectable newspapers, magazines, and television stations."

By what standards can a publication indulge in scandal-mongering and still be considered respectable? Shouldn't that have read "once-respectable newspapers?" The notion that a publication can use disreputable methods to promote profits and still remain reputable should be nipped in the bud. Elna W. Hull, Burlingame, Calif.

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