Sandra Bland: When media ignores their mistakes

The below email (or a variation thereof) went out to top news reporters today.

Reporters who specifically report on media.

These reporters are with the old school New York Times, Baltimore Sun, NPR, Washington Post etc.; to newish (Gawker)  Buzzfeed, Daily Caller, and many others.

However, I don’t expect a response because the title of this blog is

“Media and the Courts.”

It is not, “Journalism and the Courts.”

Meaning, if you believe you’re getting full, fair, and accurate coverage,

I cordially invite you to rethink that idea, after reading my email below.

– – – – –

“My name is Bonnie Russell, and I am a independent news researcher, as well as a, “no hype” legal publicist.  (It’s a tough job but someone has to do it.”)

Am writing about the problem concerning the Houston media relating to Sandra Bland coverage.

Specifically, was disappointed to discover Houston NBC reporter Keith Garvin was played, regarding his interview with Paul Looney, the “independent” investigator concerning the death of Sandra Bland.

Looney’s firm actually represents a giant, conflict-of-interest, Because of their business relationship with Judge Trey Duhon…not mentioned during the interview.

Originally, my thought was NBC might pull Garvin’s interview, (below) given he was thoroughly played, courtesy of Waller County Administrator, Judge Trey Duhon, as well as attorney Paul Looney.  But, in fairness, Garvin contributed to the getting duped by not doing his homework in the first place.

https://bonnierussell.wordpress.com/2015/07/27/sandra-bland-waller-county-sheriff-hires-independent-firm-looney-conrad/

However, when I called NBC to alert them  the “Independent” investigators constituted instead, a huge conflict of interest, the assignment editor said,

“Oh, my.”

But that was pretty much, it.

I received no response from Garvin in answer to my email, or tweets.

However, I was even more surprised to discover Houston’s TV competitors decided to institute a “Protect our Peers” zone, by ignoring both the conflict of interest, as well that NBC was played.

Also, print media.  Including the rather incredulous editor at the City Desk of the Houston Chronicle, who seemingly annoyed by my call, demanded,

“Well, how do you know this stuff if you’re in San Diego?”

(Am guessing he hasn’t yet heard of  the internet.)

So this brings new meaning to:  “Houston, we have a problem.”

Shouldn’t someone in media be interested that Waller County is playing media along with the public, with a media, assist?

Thanks for your time.  Hope you find this useful!“

– – – – –

I did speak with Terri Langford of the Texas Tribune, who briefly made a mention of the second investigation in one of her reports.  However, when I went to recheck, the brief mention of the second report was missing.  Beats me, why.

So what was true then, remains.  While many outlets covered Sheriff Smith‘s calling for an “independent” investigation – including quoting the ever chatty, always bustling about, Judge Duhon, not a one covered the very clear, conflict-of-interest.

Last, I should mention my tips to reporters (some on behalf of individual clients) have produced exposes, arrests and successful prosecutions, as well as legal and general magazine cover stories, and congressional staffers looking for information,  since 2001.  Am not a newbie.

Okay.  To wrap it up, sometimes people have to be encouraged/motivated to do their job.

Feel free to send below to your local reporters.  Otherwise, “Mums the word!”  🙂

 

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