Did Joe Senser "berate" the media?

Joe Senser, the calm before the "storm"/ photo by Richard Sennott

At least two local TV stations are making a pretty big deal about Joe Senser's outburst outside the courtroom today. But it may be the media - not Senser - that may have stepped over the line.

According to the Strib's Abby Simons - who is doing an outstanding job covering this trial - Senser approached the various cameramen (who were a considerable distance from him while shooting) and said: "Why don't you get a life?" and "Should I smile for ya? Hi, Good morning."

You can read Abby's full account here: http://www.startribune.com/local/149262305.html

And you can watch KARE video here: http://www.kare11.com/default.aspx

Not exactly a Mel Gibson rant, is it?

Yet, if you go to KARE's web page, you'll see the headlilne "Joe Senser boils over, berates photographers." Pretty strong language. No wonder it was still the most viewed video on the site into mid-afternoon, getting even more attention than the actual trial itself.

KSTP is a bit more constrained with online head: "Joe Senser Confronts Media." (I didn't see anything at WCCO or Fox 9). Strib hed used the word "vents."

I understand the media's need to be on the scene, shooting. In fact, I encourage it. But I also understand a husband and .human being in a tough spot and he deserves a little room to vent without us making it a big deal. He didn't swear. He didn't push. Hey, he even said good morning.

There's no need to add more hype to a story that's already filled with drama.

Take a look at the video. What words would use have used "snapped"? "lost his cool"? "had words." Or did KARE describe it just right?

UPDATE: Just heard from KARE news director Jane Helmke. The online headline has now been changed to :"Frustrated Joe Senser confronts photographers covering trial."