A recent article described the economic losses and property damage Baltimore suffered in the wake of the rioting and looting after Freddie Gray's death ("Shop owners' stories show riot damage was widespread," May 29).
However, there was no reference made to the collateral damage caused by the continuous media coverage, which almost gleefully reported the destruction.
Potential visitors from outside Baltimore now envision our city as a war zone, which has resulted in major losses to businesses that depend on tourism and entertainment, especially restaurants, museums and Inner Harbor attractions.
The national media need to also highlight the positive aspects of the city and that fact that Baltimore is not on fire.
Many small businesses continue to close as a result of the media's exaggerated, negative publicity.
Leonard Schleider, Baltimore
The writer is the owner of the Black-Eyed Susan, a paddle wheel dinner boat.