In a world where tabloids cash in on Britney Spears’ latest breakdown, the State Hornet was criticized recently after posting serious news to its Web site.

As initially reported, a 76-year-old woman collapsed in the University Union Friday, Feb. 8, receiving CPR from witnesses before paramedic attention.

State Hornet reporters were quick to the scene, gathering what little facts were available and capturing photographs as it unfolded.

This tried and true style of reporting, apparently, was crossing the line for one individual.

“How embarrassing for the victim of whatever ailment she has for you to publish this as ‘breaking’ news,” said Kim in a post on statehornet.com. “Shame on you.”

The comment has ignited some debate online. I’m simply left asking: What is this world coming to?

Since when was reporting the facts something a news organization should be ashamed of?

Far too many people see the media as nothing more than spinsters and the bad guy these days (blame Fox News?), but how can you attempt to trash honest journalism?

It is our right as Americans to have our own opinions.However, I feel some people would be better off thinking a little more before airing their views to the world.

Where was this same public outrage when pictures of Heath Ledger’s corpse in a body bag were paraded through the media?

There wasn’t any.

The State Hornet – on the other hand – reports serious, breaking news from the heart of campus and it offends someone to the point that they negatively comment about it.

This just doesn’t add up.

Fortunately, I’m not the only one who feels the comment was out of line.

“People need to understand that this is news,” wrote Ericka in response to Kim. “The State Hornet is just doing their job by reporting what happens on campus.”

The key phrase in Ericka’s comment is “doing their job.”

The object of a journalist is to seek the truth and report it. That is exactly what the State Hornet reporters did in the Union that day.

They did their job.

Jake Corbin can be reached at [email protected]