KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Ashley Judd, the daughter of late country superstar Naomi Judd discussed ethical reporting of tragedies and suicides with attendees of the 36th annual Media and Law Seminar in Kansas City.
The University of Kansas says that the 36th annual Media and Law Seminar was hosted Thursday and Friday, April 11 and 12, on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Mo. Hosted by the KU School of Law and KC Metropolitan Bar Association, the seminar allows healthy dialogue about the latest legal issues and developments.
In 2024, KU indicated that the theme of the seminar focused on existential threats to journalism and free speech. From generative AI risk management and copyright infringement to First Amendment controversies.
Attendees enjoyed a luncheon conversation with actor and social justice advocate Ashley Judd as they discussed media coverage of tragedies that strike public figures. In a discussion with Ballard Spahr attorney Chuck Tobin, Judd spoke on issues about balanced reporting and privacy.
“When you do print media about suicide, everything about the size of the font has a measurable impact on suicide rates after published,” Judd told attendees. “Particularly when it’s a famous person, the method of the suicide is copycatted.”
Judd also discussed what a responsible and respectful report on the suicide of a public figure looks like. Her work as a United Nations goodwill Ambassador and the #MeToo movement helped inspire her.
Ashley Judd is the daughter of late Grammy Award-winning Naomi Judd who died from suicide in 2022. The family filed a suit to stop the public release of police images showing her death and to seal the report of the investigation, however, that suit was dropped in December.
Also Read: Judd family files notice to dismiss suit over death records
