Special Guest RANT: In Defense of Investigative Journalism

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.