The cable news networks, and the broadcasters on their Websites, have been covering the suicide of the woman known as the DC madam. Deborah Jeane Palfrey hung herself in the shed of her mother's home in Tarpon Springs, FL. Last month Palfrey was convicted of running a prostitution ring that catered to Washington's elite.

ABC's Brian Ross found himself at the center of the criminal case against Palfrey last year. Palfrey had given Ross an exclusive interview that included phone records of escorts and clients. But Palfrey's attorney accused Ross and ABC of burying the names of high-profile customers. ABC News denied that allegation.

Palfrey faced 55 years in prison and was free pending her sentencing July 24.