York Resident Calls for Curbing Online Hate on Local News

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Ned Duke Jr., a business owner in York, Pennsylvania, has called on the local news outlet York Daily Record to better moderate its online comments section, which he says has become a "breeding ground for racism and hostility." Duke, whose father was a police officer and U.S. Army veteran, says the unchecked bigotry in the comments betrays the values his father and others in uniform fought to defend. He is urging the news organization to implement stricter moderation policies that reflect the kindness and diversity he sees in his own community.

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing problem of online hate speech and toxicity on local news platforms, which can undermine a community's sense of unity and progress. As more people get their news online, the comments sections have become a battleground for the worst impulses, drowning out the voices of the majority. Duke's call to action challenges the news outlet to take responsibility for moderating its digital spaces and upholding the values of the community it serves.

The details

In a recent opinion piece, Duke expressed his frustrations with the comments sections on the York Daily Record's website, which he says have become a "breeding ground for racism and hostility." As the owner of Liberty Barbell, a gym in the Dallastown area, Duke says he sees the best of the York community every day - the hard work, resilience, and mutual support. But online, he sees a different reflection of the city that he doesn't recognize. Duke, whose father was a police officer and U.S. Army veteran who was killed during the Gulf War, believes the unchecked bigotry in the comments betrays the values his father and others in uniform fought to defend.

• Ned Duke Jr. recently shared his frustrations about the York Daily Record's online comments section.
• Ned Duke Sr., Ned Duke Jr.'s father, was a police officer and U.S. Army veteran who was killed during Operation Desert Storm.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Ned Duke Jr. is calling on the York Daily Record to implement stricter moderation policies for its online comments section to curb the spread of hate speech and toxicity.