In support of reliable media reporting

BY CYNTHIA L. RUSSELL

It had all the excitement of a true-crime story. I was a young television reporter, interviewing an FBI agent engaged in an ongoing investigation into a renowned Mexican drug lord and his cartel.

I was conducting my own investigation for a special television series. The agent told me this man was ruthless and was suspected of committing countless murders. He said I could be endangering my life. He advised me to stay away from certain places in Mexico that the drug lord and his people were known to frequent. The drug leader was so powerful in his hometown that not even the mayor would speak to us. Despite the warnings, I refused to give in to the pressure. Although I do recall at least one threatening phone call and possibly a letter, I successfully made it through my visits to Mexico and completed my series.

This is just one of many examples throughout my television career where I faced heavy-duty pressure regarding stories I was covering. There was pressure to make ethical decisions, to scoop the competition, to maintain accuracy while also meeting deadlines, and in some cases (although not as much in local news), there were life-threatening situations. All these types of pressures can push open the door for biased reporting. The trick is finding a strategy strong enough to push back.

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