TV
News Investigations
Crime and Violence
 "Rape zones" were identified
The more a woman knows about where predators may strike the better her chances of avoiding
being a victim. Crime statistics were analyzed. The places most prone to sexual attacks
were identified. KHOU-TV, Houston.
Air Force Academy rapes: How the
story was broken
The number of young women who were raped at the United States Air Force Academy --- and
the treatment they received from their superiors --- was outrageous. It even surprised
veteran reporters, elected officials and many viewers. KMGH-TV, Denver.
Abuse of women and children examined
A documentary, Behind Closed Doors, was produced by WJXT-TV, Jacksonville. Individuals
could get information and advice from experts staffing a phone bank.
Children placed with sexual offenders
Children are removed from their homes by the state, only to suffer ill treatment by their
foster parents. Officials stonewalled. More than 100 cases of children who had been placed
in foster care and then had to be removed were uncovered. WTHR-TV, Indianapolis.
Help parents check daycare options
Parents who want to protect their children have a real challenge finding accurate, honest
information about daycare alternatives. Roughly half of the daycare centers in greater
Orlando have been fined for violating laws. WESH-TV, Orlando.
Flawed sex offender registry has
inaccurate, misleading data
A crime prevention database is greatly weakened if it is not comprehensive and accurate.
Legislators tried to prevent crimes by enacting laws requiring sex offenders to register
with the police. People can check to see who is in their neighborhood. This only works if
the files are accurate. Numerous mistakes were discovered. WLS-TV, Chicago.
Sexual predators in apartment complexes,
nursing homes, and school zones
Predators sometimes live in places the public would not expect. Apartment rental agents
lied, claiming they had no offenders and all tenants were checked. A Missouri man was
released from prison into a nursing home. A mapping program showed offenders near schools.
KMGH- TV, Denver. KCTV, Kansas City. WFTS-TV, Tampa.
Know the tactics of sexual predators
Innocent children can be lured away. To help youngsters and their parents, WISN-TV,
Milwaukee, produced an informational special that explained the tricks of those tracking
children.
Child molesters walk free on probation
One-third of those who sexually abused a child won probation and were released to roam the
community in Houston. An analysis of court records found the lenient treatment these
predators were receiving. KHOU-TV, Houston.
Some violent criminals
get a break because of loopholes
Because of plea bargains and bureaucratic mistakes, sex offenders are not being classified
in the most serious categories and notification is not required --- even for some of the
most dangerous offenders. And in Maryland, judges have the power to modify an offender's
sentence at any time. WEWS-TV, Cleveland. WBFF-TV, Baltimore.
Child abduction ring exposed, two
girls returned
A convicted child molester led an abduction ring that was part of a nationwide underground
network. The story helped recover two girls who had been taken by her mother during a
bitter custody dispute. KGO-TV, San Francisco
Inmates profit in prison
Work release is usually seen as a possible path toward rehabilitation ---not an
opportunity to get rich. Prisoners accumulated tens of thousands of dollars in savings
accounts while on work release programs. WCNC-TV, Charlotte.
Eyewitness
evidence may be wrong
DNA technology has had a big impact on law enforcement. People falsely accused and
wrongly convicted have been released . This has forced a hard look at the evidence that
led to innocent people being imprisoned. Many mistakes have been made. WCPO-TV,
Cincinnati.
Thieves parking cars
Two undercover cameras were placed in test cars being parked by valet attendants. The
video showed the vehicles checked for cash which was quickly grabbed up. KNBC-TV, Los
Angeles.
Liquor store loans: Bad business?
A neighborhood may be hurt by well-intentioned government programs. Small businesses that
banks consider too risky routinely get help from the Small Business Administration. But,
some loans are going to businesses that appear to contribute to crime problems, places
where police respond repeatedly to reports of violent crimes. KPIX-TV, San Francisco.
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TV News
Investigations
Drugs Disrupt
And Destroy Everywhere
The impact of alcohol and illegal drugs is wide-ranging and often
devastating. Many important investigations and preparations have been produced.
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| Can
you beat a drug test? |
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Yes. The drug testing process can be fooled. Serious abusers are defeating the system.
That was the conclusion of investigators at WHDH-TV, Boston in 1998. Legal California
marijuana users were recruited by reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan for a demonstration that
made clear that the screeners had gaps. |
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Neighborhoods
under siege:
Undercover with drugs, cash and machine guns |
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Several stations' executives committed to weeks of undercover surveillance to show how
these thugs operated and how widespread the problem had become.
In New Orleans, WDSU-TV went into three separate neighborhoods where the dealers had taken
over and driven people from their homes. Managing Editor Richard Angelico decided to tell
the drug story from the point of view of the people who had to live with it.
"The drug dealers are literally moving in and taking over entire neighborhoods and
terrorizing the people. There is wide-open drug trafficking in the middle of the
streets," he told us.
In New York, WNBC-TV went to a housing project to tell the story from the point of view of
the helpless residents who lived in fear of the drug dealers 24 hours a day. And, in
Philadelphia, WPVI-TV rode with a special police unit that was busting drug buyers as well
as the dealers. One woman's habit was so bad, she drove up with a car full of youngsters
and bought drugs with the children watching. |
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| Crack
pipe sales enhance drug sales |
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A store owner was killed and the drug world was blamed. But neighbors said many of the
stores foster the drug trade by selling crack pipes. An undercover news staffer tested 10
mini markets. Seventy percent sold the pipes. "If you are going to complain about
something you are contributing to, you need to stop contributing to it," said Adam
Bradshaw, News Director of WHEC-TV, Rochester. |
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| Exposing
drug dealing and prostitution near schools |
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In too many inner city areas, residents are powerless while rampant drug dealing,
prostitution and other criminal activities take over their communities. The project began
with a profile of Poindexter Elementary School, where students had to walk past drunks and
crack addicts to get to school. Teachers had to escort students to get them safely by the
derelicts. The details were shared by News Director Dennis Smith of WLBT-TV,
Jackson. |
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| Meth
and youngsters is a dangerous mix |
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Scores of children have been exposed to dangerous chemicals and toxic fumes from meth
labs in their homes. After arrests, the child welfare authorities often take the children
to protect them from danger, including the risk of explosion or fire. An extensive project
was done by reporter Trish Van Pilsum of KMSP-TV, Minneapolis. |
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| Officers
raiding meth labs: Many are ill from exposure |
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Former Utah narcotics officers, who put their lives on the line when
they raided illegal meth labs a decade or two earlier, have died or are battling unusual
illnesses.
The chemicals used to make the meth are deadly.
The story was investigated by the team at KSL-TV, Salt Lake City. Reporter Debbie
Dujanovic found 58 police officers who had investigated meth labs in the previous two
decades.
News Director Con Psarras explained how they put the project together, and told us,
"We only found a few officers who didn't have a serious health problem. When compared
to the average rates of illness and cancer among that age group, the statistics were
indicative of a pretty big problem."
Of the 58 officers, 40 were sick or dead. |
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| High
on meth, speeding, killing --- and still driving |
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A log truck driver kept on rolling, in spite of overloading
his truck and causing a fatal accident. The driver was off the road for only about one
week after the accident. KING-TV's Chris Ingalls found there was no penalty, no suspension
of his license, nothing ---he just went right back to driving. There should have been
three strikes against him. He was speeding. His truck was overloaded. He tested positive
for meth. |
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| Meth
madness threat explained |
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Viewers were shown the problem. A high-profile news series, and an on air
and online town meeting were used by WFIE-TV, Evansville to warn its viewers about the
dangers of meth.
"The problem is getting out of control," said News Director Bob Freeman. |
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| Undercover
visits expose OxyContin enablers |
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It wasn't hard to get prescription painkillers in Tampa --- if you went
the right doctors. Investigators for WFTS-TV went undercover at two so-called pain
clinics. After paying $250 in cash and undergoing only cursory examinations, they walked
out with either the pills in hand or prescriptions for powerful painkillers. Reporter
Matthew Schwartz showed the tape of the visits to a respected physician. He said the pain
doctors' licenses should be revoked. |
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| Target Chicago: How drugs drive destruction |
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A major project at WMAQ-TV included a DEA partnership, young addicts on
camera, and a tie-in to a museum exhibit. News Director Frank Whittaker explained,
"The challenge was to come up with a way to tell stories that would break through the
clutter --- and have a meaningful impact for our viewers." |
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| Aim For The
Heart |
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This is a guide for TV reporters, producers and photojournalists who want to learn how
to tell clearer and stronger stories. This is practical material, real world techniques.
Al Tompkins is currently at the Poynter Institute. He spent 25 years as a reporter,
producer, photojournalist and news director.
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Criminal secrets revealed,
prisoners offered their advice
Inmates explained how they operate and viewers learned what to avoid. The project began
with a survey of convicted criminals serving time. Not all of the "secrets" were
revealed, you don't tell people how to do it. The emphasis was on protection. WFOR-TV,
Miami. |
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Crime prevention advice from the
experts: Convicted burglars
Burglary is a crime that touches many viewers. Reporters have had success as reporters
surveyed thieves about how they did their crimes. Those results were converted into
practical advice for home-owners. WFSB-TV, Hartford. WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee. |
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Criminal cabbies:
Who's behind the wheel?
Checking the criminal histories of the city's 1,500 cab drivers revealed that drivers had
been convicted of rape, assault, kidnapping, theft and DWI. Fifty-seven drivers had DWI
convictions. Some drivers received DWIs after they had their cab driver permits. WOAI-TV,
San Antonio |
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Breaking the big story
28 years after the murder
Cold cases can be broken. Routine checking led to exclusive sources and an interview with
the man who pulled the trigger. New information was discovered three decades after the
heir to the Brach Candy fortune was killed. WLS-TV, Chicago. |
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The Homeless: On The Front Lines
Closing mental institutions and turning mental patients out became popular a generation
ago. Substantial numbers of these trouble people are now often dealt with by completely
different agencies --- those of the criminal justice system. At the same time, some of
these individuals have problems gaining access to counseling and help. KGO-TV, KPIX-TV,
San Francisco. |
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Columbine:
Viewer Sensitivities Were Key
The live images were monitored carefully when two young men killed 12 other students, a
teacher and themselves at Columbine.
Patti Dennis, KUSA-TV's News Director, told us, "We had pictures coming in from
hospitals that I told them absolutely, positively, I did not want to see on our air. I
forbid it!" |
Copyright 2008, Standish Publishing Company. This
material is for your personal use as a subscriber, and may not be reproduced or
transmitted to other parties of any kind.
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Up Today!
The Rundown has reported weekly on local
television news, programming, and community service projects since 1981. This material now
fills a massive hard copy archive of 7,000 pages --- easily the largest record of hometown
television's activities. Key articles are available in our online archives.
Covering The Murder
Of A President
Shocked reporters dealt with their own grief, mass confusion, and the silence of official
sources to inform the nation that John F. Kennedy had been shot to death in Dallas.
The
White Bronco Chase
Accused of murder, O.J. Simpson travelled along the highways of Los Angeles, and one
of the largest television audiences ever watched it live.
Murders at School:
San Diego Shootings
Accurate information was difficult to obtain. Students were interviewed with care.
Oklahoma
City Explosion: Covering the Terror
That this could happen in America's heartland was unthinkable. Even more astounding
was the news that Americans had unleashed this violence on fellow Americans, murdering
more than 150 innocent men, women and children.
Roughed Up At Recess: Violence On The
Playground
Teachers stood by doing nothing while bullies beat up other children on the school
playgrounds. News team members at WITI-TV, Milwaukee were surprised that it was so
blatant and out of control. They
followed up with a project that offered solutions for parents and educators.
Juvenile
sexual offenders attending schools
Not only are juvenile sexual offenders attending schools, often the school officials don't
know it. The offender changes schools, but his record may not follow him. In St.
Louis, KSDK-TV investigated.
Prisoners:
Escaping and Not Pursued, Inmates Housed at Secret Locations
Two investigations showed how important it is keep track of how corrections officials are
--- or are not --- doing their jobs.
Into
Child Porn? No Problem, Have A Nice Day
Most men who are arrested in Wisconsin for Internet sex crimes do not go to prison. Three
years of cases were analyzed by WITI-TV, Milwaukee.
DNA testing: Justice on hold?
Rapists run free if the evidence that might convict them is never checked. Hundreds of
sexual assault kits that included DNA samples were never analyzed. The victims had no idea
that the kits were never processed. WRAL-TV, Raleigh.
Crime lab: Making mistakes --- or
deceptions?
DNA analysis must be competently executed and testimony must be honest. The level of
expertise varies greatly from department to department. Apparent errors by the crime lab
technicians were revealed. KHOU-TV, Houston.
Police say man shot nine people,
Station says there's no evidence
Most of the time --- hopefully --- the police and the prosecution get the right criminal.
When there is reason to doubt the establishment, it is a sensitive situation.
An investigation contributed to charges being dropped against a man who apparently was
being framed. It had been a major story. Nine people were shot when a man fired into a
crowd during an fireworks display. An arrest was announced quickly --- so quickly that the
news staffers found major questions about the prosecution. WXYZ-TV, Detroit.
Hidden camera reveals jurors under the
influence
The cornerstone of our judicial system is the right to a trial by a jury of our peers. But
what if some of those jurors have impaired judgment, and then vote on a person's guilt or
innocence? WDIV-TV, Detroit.
Buy a gun like the snipers had
A deranged person can obtain a weapon despite efforts to implement background checks.
While two gunmen killed at random in the Washington area, the ease of weapon access was
shown. WABC-TV, New York.
Survey asks how to take back
neighborhoods
Polling showed problems worried the most people and what they wanted to try to reduce the
hazards. WSOC-TV partnered with The Charlotte Observer.
Violent youngsters are out of control
Children have weapons and are using them. The problem emerges in gangs, drug dealing, and
threats in school. Several stations reported.
Violent girl gangs
Teenage girls in some areas have turned to fighting, knives, ice picks, box cutters, razor
blades and more. They wear gang-related clothing, have gang tattoos, and get "sexed
in" to the group. WJLA-TV, Washington.
Inside juvenile criminal justice
The criminals of tomorrow are in juvenile court today. Usually news media access to the
proceedings is limited. A News Director at WBFF-TV, Baltimore, was persistent and
convinced the chief judge to grant enough access to tell the story.
Free 45-page Report
Hostage
Crises:
Do You Let Gunmen Control Your Air?
When an upset, armed individual is threatening to kill
someone, the police commanders supervising the emergency response and the news executives
in charge of covering the confrontation have many sensitive decisions.
Here's how broadcast executives have dealt with these dangerous emergencies. |
