Other people's misfortunes are always a source of interest. That's why newspapers continue to publish a "police blotter" of DUI arrests. It sells papers.
Newspapers themselves have dwindled in popularity as electronic sources of information have grown in popularity over the past two decades. Editors face less space in the print edition, lower ad revenues, less newsroom resources, less staff and an aging readership. Smart newspapers are using multimedia tools to enhance stories' relevance and accessibility. Online editions are easy to access by phone, tablet or desktop... and that creates reach and a fluid revenue stream.
You will find DUI mug shots in many papers, and online editions around the country. Police agencies will either buy space as an advertisement or the paper will use the unsold space as a way of drawing readership with the stated purpose of public responsibility.
Papers cloak themselves in the first amendment and argue protected speech. While the newspapers are a traditionally protected area of speech and commerce, the real problem is the mug shot websites that have sprouted up over the years. These sites purport to be providing a public service from public information sources, when it seems that the goal is to hold your mug shot hostage until you pay have it removed.
Recently, however, one of these mug shot companies, justmugshots.com, suffered a setback in U.S. District Court in Tampa, Florida and must defend a lawsuit against charges of privacy invasion and unfair trade. The New York Times recently reported that MasterCard, AMEX, PayPal and Discover would break ties with these types of companies.
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