Farewell to "Broadcast News": Hurricanes, Elections, and a Mustard Biscuit

It was sexy.

I’m referring to my first broadcast news story.  It was September of 1997, and I had just moved to Grand Junction, Colorado.  My first assignment out of the gate was about a proposed cross-walk on a busy street.

Oh baby.

It ran two minutes, thirty seconds, and looking back on it, watching it was akin to seeing the paint dry.  (But watching paint dry was far more interesting.)  Since then, I’ve covered rock slides, presidential elections, NASCAR, hurricanes, mass shootings, and a crime of passion that involved a mustard biscuit.  It was an exciting, rewarding, run, but it’s time to move on.

I’m leaving the broadcast business.

I’ve accepted a position with respected public relations firm Sullivan and LeShane in Hartford.  More than anything, I’m looking forward to expanding my skill set, and learning from people who have done this for decades, providing expertise in all things communications. 

I’ve worked with great people, met great people, and frankly, told some great stories.  I’ve always felt privileged to be a story-teller, and I feel I will continue to do that, just in a different capacity. 

My sincerest thanks to my wife, my family, my colleagues, and the thousands of viewers who have been so supportive all these years. 

I still have that cross-walk story somewhere, and perhaps this weekend I’ll see if my VCR works and watch that masterful piece of journalism.  Edward R Murrow would be so proud…he might even call the story “sexy.”

Nah, probably not.

(My last "live" in the field shot.  Please excuse the competition's car in the background!)

What's Old is New Again: The Rise of the "One-Man-Band"

I excitedly ran back into my new bosses’ office, eager to show him the video I shot for one of my first news stories.

“Your video is blue,” he said. 

People looked like they were ghastly ill, or worse, very large “Smurfs.”  And if memory serves, I think the tripod moved during one of my interviews, so only half of my subject’s face was showing.

“Go back out there and do it again,” he commanded. 

That scenario played out almost sixteen years ago at my first television station in Grand Junction, Colorado.  As a cub reporter, I had to shoot, write, and edit my own stories.  In the business we call that the “one-man-band.”   But as broadcast journalists work up to larger television markets, the camera becomes someone else’s responsibility.  Reporters focus on writing scripts and developing sources, while photographers delve into their craft of taking compelling pictures, and then later editing their video to hopefully make the story “pop.”

Technology has evolved greatly since my days of lugging a heavy camera around the mountains of western Colorado, and because of that, many large television companies are implementing what is known as the “VJ,” or video-journalist.  In some circles these people are labeled as “multi-media journalists” or “backpack journalists.”  (Because the camera, microphone and computer can all fit in a backpack.)

Last week, I had to learn how to ride the bike again. 

Recently, after a union vote, our company began implementing the multi-media model.  It’s been…interesting.  There have been training sessions, and my first jump back into the photography pool was bright, literally, as my interview looked like he was walking on the sun.  It’s a good thing the story never aired; otherwise my employer would have been responsible for supplying thousands of sunglasses to our loyal viewers. 

But things got much better the second time around, and I found myself crawling underneath a house to get an interview with a man who was cleaning out sand months after super-storm “Sandy” battered the Connecticut coastline.  (See story here.) 

Story number three was in a graveyard, where I amazingly didn’t trip over any headstones as I followed an army veteran putting flags in the ground before Memorial Day.  (That story can be seen here.)  It should be noted I did not edit these stories, as that too, will take some more schoolwork.  (Much, MUCH more…)

The move to MMJ’s is the source of much debate in our industry.  Some believe it takes away from what a reporter should be doing, because he or she is too caught up in how the video looks and the audio sounds. Some argue it's not safe to have one person at a crime scene responsible for interviews and videography.  On the other hand, since the one holding the camera is the one who will be writing the script, those in favor argue that the two talents complement one another best and are skills that just one person should cultivate.  And I recognize that from an employers point of view-- instead of having a news staff of ten reporter/photographer teams, a company can now have twenty reporters, theoretically increasing the news coverage output, without increasing cost.  But can a reporter truly match the skill-set of a photographer or editor who has been doing this for twenty or more years?  Some say yes – others say no.  There are stations who boast the move has been successful, others who have abandoned the idea and stuck with the traditional two-man-crew format.

My days as a young “one -man band" in 1997 are memorable. I got sick shooting out of a Cessna 172 airplane; I gave a homeless man a ride into town in a company vehicle with his dog “Sh-t-Stain;” I trashed the transmission on the station owned Saturn wagon by driving over boulders; I lost the camera lens on a mountain while downhill skiing (but found it later); and the list goes on and on and on…

But I did re-shoot my story that first turned out blue, and ever since then, I've had the sincerest appreciation for WHOMEVER puts their eye in a viewfinder, trying to get a perfect picture so a story can be picture-perfect.

Safety Versus "Big Brother": Is There Such a Thing as Privacy in Public?

Smile.

You could be on camera in a shopping mall, a coffee shop, the local dry cleaner, or even a parking lot.

For example, take Middletown, Connecticut.

In the past 18 months, the city has invested more than 100-thousand dollars on high-definition cameras for parking lots.  The cameras feed real-time video back to flat screen monitors at the parking office inside city hall.

“I don’t spend every single minute looking at the screen, but we use it in a very strategic way.  It’s not to be invasive, but to provide public safety, a public need,” said Parking Director Gene Thazhampallath.  

Public safety is also tied to economic development.  Main Street Middletown is incredibly popular due to the variety of restaurants and quaint shops.  Thazhampallath says if parking lots are monitored, thereby safe, it only feeds the local economy.

“We hope this will become a deterrent,” he says, standing in front of four high-def televisions.  “If the word gets out, if you are thinking about doing something, don’t do it in Middletown, or our public lots, because we are watching.”  He adds crimes have been solved because police have access to high-quality video.

The value of a watchful eye came after the Boston Marathon bombing, when police released surveillance video of the alleged suspects, who were quickly identified.  At the same time, it raises questions about the balance between security and privacy, and whether there is even such a thing as privacy when a person is in public.  In the past, the American Civil Liberties Union has been vocal against traffic light cameras, with one argument being that it is far too much “Big Brother.” 

“I always say, and I tell my city council, I want people to know that we have cameras in place,” Gene said.

Middletown has 600-thousand dollars in grant money yet to spend, and the goal is to install at least one hundred cameras.  Will dozens of electronic eyes make residents and visitors feel secure – or a bit uneasy? 

Regardless, this is the world we live in.  So smile – you are most likely on a not-so-candid camera.

Why I Don't Loathe the Yankees...Today.

Dear Yankees fans,

It's nothing personal.  Really, it isn't.

Please understand I wish you no ill will, it's just that I'd rather be blanketed in Hudson River toxic waste than see the Yankees win another World Series championship.

To understand my disdain for your beloved team, I must talk about MINE.  It's 1996.  I was a marketing intern for the Texas Rangers, which was a dream come true since I grew up watching my favorite team with my father.  In '96, Texas earned their first playoff appearance, and we were told if the Rangers made it to the series, and won it, ALL front office staff would get a ring.

Of course, we lost to New York Yankees.  It happened again in 1998.  And again in 1999.  I cried in '96, had an upset stomach in '98 and was downright angry in '99.

And so, the birth of my venom for one of the most storied franchises in all of sports took root, and I've never found the antidote.

But I must give respect where respect is due.

Today in New York, the Yankees (as well as all of Major League Baseball) honored the victims of Newtown, Connecticut.  In addition, some of the town's first responders were asked to be the color guard during pre-game ceremonies.  It was classy - it was just cool.

"It was really great to honor the victims that we lost.  Its affected the entire community, especially us as police officers.  For the Yankees to step up and do this for us, we really do appreciate it," said Officer Matt Hayes from the Newtown Police Department.

Fifty thousand fans put down their peanuts and Cracker-Jacks and stood silent as the names of the fallen scrolled on the "JumboTron" above center field.  I was standing next to the visitor's dugout, and as I gazed out onto the crowd, I was amazed at how a usually thunderous fan base was so still.

"It's emotional," said Officer William Chapman, also with the department.  "I keep the families, the teachers, the students in my mind when things like this are happening."

I even heard on the radio that superstar shortstop Derek Jeter allowed the family of lost teacher Victoria Soto to use his luxury suite.  Classy.  Cool.

Tomorrow, I will resume my disgust for the evil empire, hoping that baseball Commissioner Bud Selig hands down a rule that any Yankee with a vowel in his name is unable to play.

Never again will I be proud of the Yankees.

Until July 7th.

The team has dubbed that date "Newtown Day at Yankee Stadium," where more than three thousand members of the community are expected to attend.

Classy.  Cool.

Man, I can't stand you guys.

A Wallet, An Attitude Adjustment, and a "Thank You."

I had a lump in my throat, my stomach turned sour, and my heart was racing.

Where was my wallet?

I was enjoying a visit of the “Harlem Globetrotters” with my five-year-old son at Hartford’s “XL Center” when I realized it was gone.  Credit and health insurance cards, my driver’s license -- were all lost – or stolen.

When I came home, I gave my wife the “woe is me” sob story and she quickly provided insight that changed my attitude completely.

“Remember the news assignment you did yesterday,” she said.  “Your wallet?  Small potatoes.”

Friday, I was in Newtown, Connecticut when I arrived to what was left of the home of Hans Barth.  A fire started in the basement and quickly spread, consuming the modest house and destroying many things inside. 

The painful twist – two of Hans’ kids are survivors of the Sandy Hook massacre.  His seven-year-old son Peter hid in a locked bathroom with his teacher and classmates as gunshots echoed through the halls. 

“Maybe it’s because of the school that we learned a little more of what’s important to us in life, through that experience.  Maybe if it had happened earlier we would have been crying on the floor now, I don’t know,” Barth said, as he was loading donated items into a cargo truck.

I stood there with my mouth agape.  This man’s children are probably dealing with severe psychological trauma.  His house was gone.  Yet the whole time I was speaking with him, he smiled, repeatedly saying how blessed he was, how things really aren’t that bad.

“How can I not smile with all the support that we’ve had from all around.  I mean, what’s supposed to be a disaster has turned into a tremendous gift in a way,” Barth said.

We all have troubles – stress is often something we combat with on a weekly basis.  And thankfully, the majority of us will never have to deal with the drama the Barth family is currently experiencing.  But even small issues in our own little corner of the world can create personal turmoil.

With that said, what my wife reminded me of was to take a step back and look at the big picture.  My children were laughing and playing in the next room, there was a roof over my head, and aside from my pocket feeling a bit lighter, I felt great. 

Thank you Mr. Barth.  May I remember your story – and your attitude – the next time a mammoth problem…is really no problem at all.

(Note:  If you are interested in helping the Barth family, you can contact Christine Wilford at thewilfordfamily@gmail.com or go to the Barth Family Fund at www.gofundme.com/2fns60)

(The link to my story with Mr. Barth can be found here:  http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/fairfield_cty/fire-destroys-Newtown-home-of-shooting-survivors_79235163?categoryId=10001&status=false)

Nancy Lanza: Questions of "Why"

If anything, the documents released Thursday raise more questions than answers.  Unfortunately, they are answers we will continue to wait for, or, will never get.

The spur for Adam Lanza’s savage behavior is of great interest to many, especially those trying to figure out how to avoid such tragedy in the future.

But the search warrants truly highlight the mystery surrounding his late mother, Nancy.  We are filled with probing questions.  A number of items confiscated by the Connecticut State Police are troubling, and one has to wonder if Nancy had any knowledge of her son’s interest in mass shootings.

Did she ever venture into his room?  Did she notice news articles on mass killings – pictures of a deceased person wrapped in plastic?  Was there never an insatiable curiosity to peak into a journal, considering she was aware of his need for isolation?

Was his obsession to violent video games, coupled with access to weapons and ammunition, never debated even within her own conscience?  As pen touched paper on a Bank of America check, did she ever hesitate about giving the gift of a firearm to a clearly troubled young man?

In February, the Hartford Courant did an excellent expose of the relationship between mother and son (http://articles.courant.com/2013-02-17/news/hc-raising-adam-lanza-20130217_1_nancy-lanza-adam-lanza-peter-lanza).  Journalist Alaine Griffin reports sport shooting was something the family did together when Adam and his brother were young.  But one must wonder - was there ever a turning point in Adam’s demeanor that would have caused Nancy…to give pause about such a pastime?

We ask “why.”  It’s an easy question for reporters to throw out, but a much harder one to answer.  More paperwork surrounding Sandy Hook is slated for release this summer.  Perhaps we will learn more about what Adam was thinking, and maybe why Nancy was oblivious to what was coming. 

In the end though, after the investigation is complete, no sense will ever come to an unspeakable crime devoid of human compassion.

Technological Bullies: A Growing Problem

I left an interview Thursday determined to raise my children in a basement.

Admittedly, it sounds odd, and it’s certainly in jest, but it’s all about control.   

Making headlines this week was the arrest of two Torrington High School football players charged with sexual assault on a thirteen year old girl.  As if that’s not disturbing enough, the local paper, The Register Citizen, reports the child is being cyber-bullied for coming forward.

Which leads me to today’s interview with a young woman named Kelly Dyson.  The nineteen year old senior was the victim of vicious bullying attacks at school, on the phone, and on-line.  She says she endured non-stop harassment for more than two years.

“I would question myself, ‘What’s wrong with me?  What did I do?  What’s wrong?’  Ultimately, it wasn’t anything that I did; it was these girls just sort of attacking and having it out for me.”

According to the website bullyingstatistics.org, more than two million children are bullied each year, and cyber-bullying is becoming a more pervasive problem.  In addition, seventy-one percent of students say bullying is an on-going issue.

“It was coming both through text messages, ‘Facebooking,’ food getting thrown at me during lunch.  Just having that done to you, is damaging, you don’t know what to do, you don’t know where to turn, you’re scared to tell your parents because you don’t know if the situation would get even worse,” Dyson said.

One way to take control of the problem, says Steven Hernandez with the Connecticut Commission on Children, is for parents to keep tabs on what’s going on in cyberspace with their child.  If there are occurrences online, most likely, there are problems at school.  He says children might be tentative to approach a parent, but involvement is necessary to potentially avoid severe psychological trauma.

“The person in the room, who should control the behavior and control the message, is the adult, whether that’s at school or at home.”  It’s incumbent on the adult as to what’s being accessed by the child.”

Kelly’s bullying incidents became so severe it led to a near fatal car accident.  She doesn’t hide, rather, she took control of the situation, and now talks to peers and parents on how to combat the problem.

“People going through this, who are victims, need to know that suffering in silence, is never the thing to do.  I did that, it ended up with me almost dying…But I’ve become stronger with this.  I have a voice, and I can use it.  Ultimately, that is the most important thing.  Don’t let yourself sit there by yourself.”

…Which goes for parents as well. As much as I’d like to keep my children in the basement, protect them in a cocoon, life doesn’t work that way.  Knowledge is power, and the better prepared my kids are to meet the challenges of growing up, the better parent I’ll be.    

(Note:  For more information on how to combat bullying, you can go to the Connecticut Commission on Children’s webpage at http://www.cga.ct.gov/coc/bullying.htm)