We've done a lot of stories in recent months, uncovering troubling issues a various local agencies. While many of you have told us how much you appreciate our efforts, there are others who have questioned why we are "picking on people" and "stirring the pot." We've even been accused of tabloid journalism.
While I'm confident many of those comments are coming from the people under scrutiny and their inner circle, I'm sure some of the comments have also come from viewers with more objective concerns. We have an important role as journalists, and with that comes the responsibility to be fair and accurate. So I'd like to take a minute to explain what goes on behind the scenes at WWAY.
We've been accused of "singling out" the Brunswick County District Attorney's office. While it's true we have done a lot of stories on that office, and some of its troubling mistakes that have wasted taxpayer money and let accused criminals go free, we've hardly singled them out. In the last two months alone, we've discovered problems at the Pender County Health Department, the Bladen County Sheriff's Office and the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, just to name a few.
Almost all of these reports were generated by tips from our viewers. We haven't been out digging, looking for dirt. You have contacted us to share your concerns about matters you felt were newsworthy, and after investigating your complaints, we've agreed that they are worth bringing to the public's attention.
Another phenomenon that you'll often find in news: one story leads to another. We go to the Bladen County Sheriff's Office to find out why five veteran deputies were suddenly let go, and we find an entire web of story ideas. Our viewers see that we're looking into a particular agency, and then they call us to share more leads. Some of these stories are like onions, you just keep peeling back the layers.
While many people think TV journalists make tons of money, I can tell you that's hardly the case, especially in small markets like this one. And while I'm sure there are newscasters who went into the business because they wanted to see themselves on TV, that's not the motivation for me and my co-workers. We do this job because we're passionate about it and think it's an important public service.
To those who question why we're doing news the way we've been doing it, I would ask, "What's the alternative?" Let taxpayer money be wasted, people be taken advantage of, and potential criminals walk free… because we don't want to step on any toes? It's our job to be a watchdog for the public.
Moreover, we live in this community just like you do, and we have a vested interest in making sure truth and justice prevail over good ol' boys, corruption, and pay-to-play politics. We pay taxes just like you do, and we want to make sure those dollars are spent wisely.
Bottom line, we're not out to be bullies. We're out to make sure people in power treat everyone else fairly, and don't milk the system for their own enrichment.
We're sure there are many other troubling issues that we are not aware of, so by all means, if you have a good tip, let us know.
Keep up the good work!
Ann and her team's investigative work is what keeps me tuning in, despite the loss of the wonderful and competant Steve Rondinaro and the fantastic meteorologist Chris Phillips. Ann's work on the R.C. Soles story last summer was outstanding. The good old boy ("my diddy was a democrat") network has thrived in NC for way too long and WWAY's exposure of its seamy underside has been a breath of fresh air. Maybe people throughout SE NC will vote out these crooks come November. (and next November in the municipals)
Ann, Meghan, Kevin and Joe are great. I miss Steve and Chris but will keep tuning in. And as for the person who wanted a little upflifting news, watch "the best...." every Friday to hear where to go for the best coffee, burger, etc. in the area.
"share more leads"
It seems like "share more leads" sounds more like "becoming the mouthpiece for others". Remember those leads are only coming from one point of view, and one side of the story.
Everyone thought Woodward and Bernstein were hero journalists, until we found out who Deep Throat was. That's when people realized they were doing the bidding of others that wanted to protect their own territory, and not doing a noble deed by whistleblowing. WWAY should remember that as they continue these one-sided "investigations".
Ya'll keep up the good work
Ya'll have been performing thoroughly with your investigative journalism. I live in Bladen County but am currently residing in Florida. Local news is still important to me and I'm glad that I can depend on ya'll to accurately keep me up-to-date. I was particularly interested in the Bladen County Sheriff's Office fiasco and ya'll did a great job reporting about that. Thank you for all of your hard work. Keep it up and God bless.
You guys at WWAY do a great
You guys at WWAY do a great job, keep it up.
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Thank you so much for your excellent coverage of Bladen County. I cannot imagine why anyone would call what you do "muckraking". You simply show the facts of the matter and let the truth be self-evident. When you interview someone, as you did with the Bladen County election for sheriff, the interim sheriff made it very plain by his own words and actions that two different things were coming out of the two different sides of his mouth. All you did was present it, as was your duty as a news organization. Please keep up the good work so that voters and viewers can remain informed - not on just this election but other happenings as well. Otherwise, what is the point?
I also appreciate the coverage WWAY gives Bladen county sports. You do an excellent job.
HI H8RS!
Bring on the haters... Hate hate hate hate hate. You's a hater so thats your job. I can respect that cuz your doing your job. WWAY should be tryin to get at least 50 more people hatin by Christmas. They need haters to make them better. Without haters, most people wouldn't try to become better at what they do. Just tell them h8rs, "Female dog, you just hate me because you can't be me!" HATE hate hate hate ON h8rs!
Okay
Ummm, if you say so.
Journalistic standards
The standards sell the soap: fires, car crashes, robberies, and sob stories. WWAY has chosen to take the risk of offending its advertisers to bring stories of real local interest. The other local outlets spew the party lines or read the copy from the network or wire services. The other websites are cluttered messes and not worth visiting. Boring!
It takes intestinal fortitude and courage to seek to separate the charlatan from the Charlemagne. The self proclaimed "greatest generation" achieved victory in WWII mainly on the backs of the young. Don't sell short the enthusiasm and energy of the young. What some may lack in polish or experience, they more than offset with not knowing that something is impossible and then going ahead and achieving it.
WWAY deserves credit for striving for a higher standard. Keep up the good work. Remember that the roaches scatter when the light shines on them. Charge the batteries!
Investigative journalism my
Investigative journalism my ass. Muck raking and s**t stirring to sensationalize the news for ratings purposes is what WWAY 3 does best, along with one-sided and biased reporting. <---- This from an objective observer who has no stake in any of the stories that WWAY 3 has told.
Here ladies and gentlemen, we have a classic case of the press trying to cover it's own ass.
I recognize your writting style
You are one of the guys that was trying to defend Young Randi the Huffer. Still trying to make WWAY look bad, huh? Well, try as you might, you can't make them look any worse than you've made yourself look.
You make the claim but, you
You make the claim but, you provide no evidence to support the claim. Provide evidence that demonstrates that WWAY is "trying to cover its own ass." I can make the statement that the moon is made of cheddar cheese but, my saying so does not make it so and I have provided no evidence to prove my point. By the way, "it's" is utilized when contracting the words, "it is." "Its" is the correct spelling/usage to demonstrate possession. Where did you go to school again?
investigation
IF you don't like it why do you watch and complain. I like to know
how I am getting sh--ed by the government.
Well, let's see....
They exposed that entire sordid situation involving Tabor City's most famous resident...
...they revealed that at least one member of Wilmington Downtown thinks that the taxpayers' money is his money to borrow, interest free whenever he so chooses...
...they've done a great job of revealing that the 13th Judicial District is about as well organized as any endeavor ever undertaken by the Three Stooges....
...and now it appears they're onto something very, VERY fishy out in Bladen County, where idiots are railing against Joe Mauceri because he dared report that the STATE is investigating the county.
So where, exactly, have they gone wrong?
I don't know how WWAY is organized, but if Ann McAdams or Kevin Wuzzardo are steering and guiding these young reporters, I have every confidence that they will be nothing less than professional and fair.
Of course, if the cockroaches run everytime the light shines upon them, clam up, and refuse to discuss anything WWAY is revealing, it's not the station's fault.
I say kudos to WWAY!
Well let's see...
Wuzzardo, McAdams and Torjussen are about the only experienced talent left there after the big drain over the past couple of years. Too bad the lost skills aren't available because of the stupidity of the management. Then you would see some Pulitzer-caliber work from WWAY. Corporate bean-counters beware! A corporate body can only lose so much blood before the bottom line--number of viewers--is permanently damaged!
Yes!! Please keep up the
Yes!! Please keep up the good work.
Democracy doesn't work without a free press. What you are doing is vital to maintaining a government that is free of corruption.
If you are not conducting your investigation in a professional way and you aren't checking your facts before publishing your newscast then the offending party has the option of proving you wrong in court.
Thank You
I for one, am very appreciative for all the investigative journalism. I agree that the public has a right to know where the tax payer's money is going and who is in control of it. I think with you all looking into the organizations it will help remind other ones who maybe behind some shady business that there is a watchdog looking out for it.
Its tabloid journalism for
Its tabloid journalism for one purpose only, ratings. You fired every single competant on-air talent you had over the last 5 years, you have 22 year old babies reporting, you have lost all credibility in the community, so your only choice now is seedy tabloid journalism.
There is a reason WWAY is where they are in the ratings, its not a coincidence.
22 year old babies..
grow into competent journalists given the right opportunity. You never know, maybe Ann McAdams will be hosting dateline some day... there seem to be a lot of high paying jobs for investigative journalists these days... and now wonder. Look at the dirt their uncovering! All those innocent people languishing for years in prison. What a travesty!
"given the right
"given the right opportunity."
Throwing children into the fire to shoot, report, and edit with ZERO help (all WWAY reporters are '1 man bands') and no one with any experience to help them is NOT the right opportunity. It leads to mistakes, it leads to reporters getting burned out, and it leads to sloppy reporting where much is left out or ignored due to time constraints and inexperience.
History repeats itself
throughout my life, I can recall many instances where history repeats itself.
Case in point, former Senators Gary Rice and Ted Kennedy, either of whom could have been President were it not for a daliance with a young woman. Fast Forward, former Senator John Edwards.
I think back to the 1970s, when investigative journalism led to the first resignation of a sitting President, Richard Nixon. I read many of the books published by the reporters and those others involved. One facet of the investigation stands out. Before the Washington Post would print any article, the Editor required source confirmation of the items to be published. Two young reporters were required to verify their information through at least one valid second source.
If they could not provide that second source confirmation, the article did not get published.
Many of the reporters do appear young. If this is their first news assignment after college, then perhaps it is the responsibility of the News Director to guide them and assist them in investigative reporting techniques.
On the other hand, as Common notes, you've stirred up a few pots of hog waste and some changes have taken place.
Now, if you could find the budget dollars to allow a hard questioner like Wuzzardo to travel to Raleigh and ask Bev some tough questions; maybe let him travel up there when the legislature is in session. Then maybe some real eye opening will take place. If you do that, make sure his shots are all current.
Investigate
I think there is an obligation to the citizens for the press to investigate the stories as long as there is no bias and all involved are contacted. Of course there are always some private issues that can not be disclosed or there is a legal case pending for which no response can be given. THE CITIZENS NEED TO KNOW IS GREATER THAN THE AGENCY'S NEED TO HIDE PUBLIC INFORMATION INVOLVING MONEY, PROJECTS, ETC.
Tip
I've got a tip for you. Try balancing out your negative based, fault finding journalism with some uplifting positive reporting on the good things happening in our community. The image you portray when you only report on the scandals is one of seeking out those things in order to show your ability to be the only one with the true story. While I agree that is part of your job, it should never become your focus. Help shed some positive light on our community that may want to make others come here to visit or even to make it their permanent home. Like you said, you are part of this community. So let people know that the negative things you are shedding so much light on is the exception to the rule for our community. Thanks for bringing to our attention the incidents that may otherwise stay hidden and continue unnoticed, and I for one look forward to the things you will uncover in the future, both positive and negative.
Exception to the rule?
You have GOT to be kidding! How long have you lived in NC? The good ol' boy network THRIVES here, and the only people who have trouble with WWAY's investigative journalism are members of that network, fearing exposure.
I say, right on, Ann! If you smell a rat you will usually find a rat.
So you believe everyone who
So you believe everyone who lives here is part of the good ol' boy network and is crooked and can't be trusted? Tell me again why you choose to live here.
We may not all be IN it....
...but most of us who have lived here a while know it exists and know people deeply emeshed in it. I've seen it firsthand for almost forty years - everything from close relatives and friends being hired for local government jobs to blatant misconduct being covered up or swept under the rug.
There is always enough raw material to keep WWAY or any investigative news team busy.
Oh, the reason I live here is because 99% of the time, it doesn't directly affect me at all. It's only when outright thievery of tax dollars takes place that I care.
Reading comprehension
Where in the previous comment did the poster state, "everyone who lives here is part of the good ol' boy network"? The statement was that, "the only people who have trouble with WWAY's investigative journalism are members of that network, fearing exposure." The ONLY possible way that that statement would mean "everyone" was if "everyone" was afraid of WWAY's journalism. Your post is the one that implies that EVERYONE is a member.
Keep up the good work!
I think of you guys as, " the little station that would!" Somebody in this town needs to do it. Unless somebody does real reporting, the "Good old Boys." will continue as always.
This country needs more people like you. Hang in there!
Spot on Ann!!!
There are nay-sayers everywhere.