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SPEAKOUT: TV's quality journalism is no 'illusion'

By John Ferrugia J

Published July 26, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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ason Salzman's July 19 column ("Stations put campaign ads to test") dealt with local television stations' analysis of political ads, including Denver's 7. Salzman charged that such analysis was a step up from what Denver's 7 investigators normally produce, noting:

"The investigative reports on local TV news help create the illusion of serious journalism (my emphasis), with undercover cameras and dramatic confrontations. In fact, the trivial nature of many of the investigations, which mostly are focused on consumer issues, don't contribute much to helping viewers become informed citizens."

When I read these comments, I could not help but wonder if Salzman actually has watched any of our Denver's 7 investigative reports. And, I wondered whether Salzman simply checked a couple of online stories from thedenverchannel. com to focus on three stories produced by our consumer reporter to support his editorial point of view.

Salzman has no idea of the content of what the Denver's 7 investigators produce, or its effect in the community.

I would argue Salzman is much like a weekend softball player who never has played or studied baseball. Upon taking in a couple of Rockies games, he becomes the office expert on hitting, with critical comments about key players. Would such an "expert" be hired by a reputable daily newspaper as a baseball analyst?

If Salzman truly had been interested in our work, he would have seen several investigations:

* A year-long investigation of the Denver Department of Human Services pulled back the curtain of secrecy and proved DDHS was not following its own guidelines and rules for child safety. Denver's 7 investigated the deaths of Chandler Grafner and three other children, showing that systemic flaws in the child-protection system had allowed the deaths. The DDHS director has resigned, DDHS supervisors were removed, a third-party review was ordered and the state began an investigation. There has been a complete revamping of state training for child protection, the governor has authorized more training money statewide and more caseworkers have been hired in Denver.

* A comprehensive investigation showed how the lessons of Columbine were incorporated into response to the siege at Platte Canyon High School, and how those lessons saved lives.

The Department of Education requested copies of the half-hour program to review for its safe-schools effort, which impacts hundreds of school districts nationwide. The National Tactical Officers Association has been using the program for its national training program for SWAT teams and schools.

* Lee Asay, director of Adams County Public Works, resigned in June after our investigation showed he had approved more than $12 million in no-bid contracts to Quality Paving Company.

Our investigation found Quality Paving had completed thousands of dollars in work at Asay's private residence. There is a criminal investigation into Asay's conduct by the Adams County Sheriff's Department and district attorney.

* The state legislature changed Colorado law after our investigation showed the attorney general was not reporting felony crimes to local district attorneys.

We found that when victims reported sexual assault by doctors and other professionals regulated by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, an administrative investigation ensued. When complaints were substantiated, DORA and the AG never reported the criminal results of the investigation to the DAs or law enforcement.

* The director of Adams County open space resigned from her $100,000-a-year job after our investigation showed she spent much of her work day at home or shopping.

I can cite another 10 stories in the past year that my colleague Tony Kovaleski and I have produced with investigative producers Tom Burke and Art Kane that have had major impact in the community. How about Kovaleski's story about the circumstances of the death of a young woman in the Denver jail? Or, the Rev. Acen Phillips investigation, which resulted in his pleading guilty to felony theft in an insurance scam involving members of his church?

Clearly, these investigations would be new information to Salzman. "Illusion of serious journalism"? I would argue the only "illusion" here is that Salzman has done his homework.

We aren't playing amateur softball. So we'd appreciate a TV critic who might know just a little bit about the real game . . . or at least has some interest in watching it.

John Ferrugia is an investigative reporter with Denver's 7.

Comments

  • July 26, 2008

    6 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    chendricks writes:

    Editor:
    John Ferrugia has it exactly correct. He and his associates work has been outstanding. John seems to be able to keep various parties in check more so than the various entities like the Denver City auditor and other "check" agencies seem to be able to accomplish.
    I say, "John, keep up the good work".
    Chuck Hendricks
    6620 W. 10th Place
    Lakewood, CO 80214
    303239-6538

  • August 1, 2008

    11:22 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    T1anda writes:

    I LOVE channel 7's investigative reports!!! They are informative and well done!!
    Keep up the excellent work channel 7....we will all be watching!!

    Thanks!!