Williams coverage causes conflict in Canadian newsrooms

Disturbing evidence documenting the heinous crimes of Col. Russell Williams is giving rise to consternation and even conflict in newsrooms across Canada as journalists struggle to cover a sensational murder case without alienating the readers they serve. A barrage of graphic images released Monday by a court in Belleville, Ont., left newspapers, TV broadcasters and online news providers struggling with the best way to illustrate the sordid story of a once-rising star in the Canadian military and how his shocking sexual proclivities led to robbery, rape and murder. One of the most dramatic examples came courtesy of the Toronto Star newspaper, which splashed across its front page the two faces of Williams: one of a decorated Air Force man in full military dress, the other a closeted fetishist clad only in skimpy, stolen pink lingerie. Star editors could not reach a consensus in assembling Tuesday's front page, communications director Bob Hepburn admitted in an interview. Some felt the photo of Williams posing in garments stolen from a bedroom in 2007 to be inappropriate, he said. Others considered it vital for a proper understanding of the man, particularly when juxtaposed with an image of Williams as base commander at CFB Trenton, complete with a brisk salute.