The shrinking world of investigative TV journalism - Do you remember Steve Wilson?

[Bozita]

Do you recall the Miami Fox TV case in which an appellate court found that television news reporters can be fired for NOT lying?

That was Steve and his wife, Jane Akre. Take a look: http://www.foxbghsuit.com/

Now for today's story ...



http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100226/ENT03/2260373/1318/Reporter-Steve-Wilson-losing-job-at-Channel-7&template=fullarticle

POSTED: FEB. 26, 2010
WITH VIDEO
Reporter Steve Wilson losing job at Channel 7
Investigative teams shrink as TV stations cut costs
BY M.L. ELRICK
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER


After nearly a decade of busting bad guys, bulldog Channel 7 investigative reporter Steve Wilson is losing his job.

But he's not losing his sense of humor.

• VIDEO: "What's next for WXYZ-TV reporter Steve Wilson"

• FLASHBACK: "Steve Wilson: Bulldog or bulldozer?"

"Isn't it ironic that Kwame Kilpatrick still has his job after I'm losing mine?" he observed wryly this week. "That will teach you a lesson in fairness."

In a way, Wilson outlasted the man perceived to be his nemesis. Arriving just before Kilpatrick finished first in the 2001 mayoral primary, Wilson stuck around as chief investigative reporter at WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) well after Kilpatrick resigned as mayor, spent 99 days in jail and moved his family to Texas.

That's cold comfort in a television market that just a few years ago bristled with investigative reporters. Wilson's imminent departure in what he characterized as a cost-cutting move, coupled with Scott Lewis' sign-off at WJBK-TV (Channel 2) in December and cutbacks in the investigative unit at WDIV-TV (Channel 4), show that one way local stations are dealing with financial pressures is by shrinking the high-impact -- but high-cost -- special project teams.

-snip-

Scott Lewis said his one-time rival was an asset. "He could be abrasive at times -- and my style was different than his -- (but) when Detroit loses someone like him, it is a loss."

The number of TV investigative reporters in Detroit has dwindled since Channel 2 (WJBK-TV) launched its Problem Solvers team about 10 years ago.

At its peak, the Problem Solvers had Lewis and two other reporters, three photographers, two producers and an executive producer. Other reporters occasionally pitched in. The station now has one investigative reporter, Rob Walchek, known for his Hall of Shame stories.

Kiska said stations are deciding they can't afford to spend weeks on stories, some of which may never pan out. Instead, they've shifted their limited dollars to reporters who can quickly turn stories on events like the recent city hearings on strip club regulations.

"There's a 100% chance that you'll have a story when you get there," Kiska said. "With investigative reporting, you're dancing in the dark."

-snip-

more...


Steve broke the news last night with this post at the popular www.DetroitYES.com forum:
http://detroityes.com/mb/showthread.php?t=4729

[KansDem]

1. "Lou Grant" (the TV show) died in 1982

I remember the era of investigative journalism when many corrupt and illegal entities were exposed. The Fourth Estate really worked hard!

Now we have the O'Keefe Four and their shenanigans passing for "investigative reporters" in the "Whoreth Estate." Edward R. Murrow is spinning in his grave.

[Bozita]

2. This isn't just about Detroit, folks. How's the I.R. at your local media working out?

It's all about profits, and investigative reporting costs a lot more than wire service stuff. And weaving two minute infomercials into newscasts actually pays.

Let's face it. IR is on its way out. Get ready for more stuff like:

The top 5 grossing films for the current week. Every week. And which films from last week made this week's list. And the totals. Heaven forbid the viewers had to do the math in their heads.

Somebody's got to tell me the local teevee newscasts don't get paid for airing those useless stats.

[Bozita]

3. kick for the night shift. A little Commodores music wouldn't hurt.

[TheGreenMiles]

4. Sorry for posting this on unrelated thread

Bozita, saw your post on the "Coalition for American Jobs," that thread is now closed, but you were exactly right about it being a front group:
http://thegreenmiles.blogspot.com/2010/02/front-group-fake-members-polluter-money.html

[spanone]

5. shrinking? how about non-existent

[Romulox]

6. Detroit media isn't worth saving. Freep = a rag. Channel 7 News = worthless...

Sorry, but the funeral for Detroit media was held 30 years ago. I feel bad for Steve Wilson, but his presence won't make much difference.