The suicide method used by convicted murderer David Birnie was reported by aap on 18.12.07 and reproduced by several online media outlets. Readers reported the story was published online by ABC, ninemsn and The Age, in December.

StigmaWatch brought the issue of reporting suicide methods to the attention of aap Editor-in-chief Mr Tony Gillies. As other media outlets will run aap stories, the organisation has a valuable opportunity to set the standard in responsible reporting of mental illness and suicide – and to omit suicide details to protect readers from negative influence and distress.