The Truth newspaper is defending its decision to name the police officer who shot Stephen Bellingham dead in Christchurch last week.
While other media have observed a convention not to name the officer, unless he is charged, Truth's Jock Anderson told Radio New Zealand this morning that the
decision to publish the officer's name was a news judgment.
"We stand by that decision and I think we can certainly justify this to our readers," he said.
He said he had always believed news was about naming names and telling people who had done what.
He hoped that printing the name would sell more papers, but accepted there would be some readers who would not approve and not buy the paper.
The paper took into consideration the effect of naming the officer would have had on him and his family.
News judgment should not be exercised on the basis of "is this going to have a negative or a positive impact - or is this going to be a nice story or an unpleasant story," he said.
Police have said Mr Bellingham was shot as he advanced on the officer with a hammer held over his head in a threatening manner in Stanmore Road, Christchurch, last Wednesday.
Police deputy commissioner Rob Pope said mainstream media had acted responsibly in not publishing the man's name.
"It is unfortunate that what has become a sensationalist fringe publication has named an individual," Mr Pope said.
"We think that most members of the public will be disgusted at Truth's actions."
New Zealand First MP Ron Mark told Radio New Zealand the decision to name the officer showed an appalling lack of judgement.
"This is the action of a desperate newspaper, desperate to sell copy at any cost.
"It's just rather astounding to think that they would be prepared to sacrifice the wellbeing and privacy - even the safety - of a family."
Police have 40 officers working on the case. A homicide inquiry and an independent Police Complaints Authority inquiry was under way.
- NZPA
* The Herald has decided not to name the officer.
