Column: Too much attention paid to two pretty women?

Readers' Corner

Ombudsman Dave Mazzarella answers reader questions about Stars and Stripes.

Column: Too much attention paid to two pretty women?

Posted June 21st, 2007 by Dave Mazzarella

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Readers' Corner

Two Page 1 items in Stars and Stripes, both featuring attractive women, have stirred up some controversy. In Stripes’ June 8 Europe and Mideast editions, what in the business is called a teaser, or reefer, bore a picture of Paris Hilton with the headline: “That was quick: Hilton leaves jail.” On June 6, Europe and Mideast Page 1s carried a teaser showing former Air Force Staff Sgt. Michelle Manhart posing for a calendar photo, wearing what looked like a bikini but really was body paint. Stripes and many other papers and television networks had produced coverage of both women in the past. These latest entries in Stripes drew complaints.

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About the Author

Dave Mazzarella is in his second tour of duty as ombudsman for Stars and Stripes. Mr. Mazzarella served in this role from 2000 to 2001 before becoming the paper's editorial director. He returned to his ombudsman's chair after retiring in Feb. 2007. Readers are invited to contact him directly via e-mail.

Welcome

An ombudsman is a fancy name for a reader's representative at a newspaper. A big part of my job is to make sure your voice is heard -- whether it be raised to criticize, praise or just offer a suggestion to the editors of Stars and Stripes. And I aim to make sure your questions are answered. Check this space regularly for columns that have appeared in the paper and other musings of mine.