Steve Andrews

Steve Andrews began his presentation speaking about the role of the internet in media and saying, ‘The game’s changed, it’s no longer just newspaper, its no longer just television”. He went on to say that in his 23 years of working in the field, this last year has been the most filled with change. Being that Andrews began like this, I assumed we would hear more information regarding the shifts in media and preparation for the field. Instead, Andrews gave us insight to some of his bigger and more rewarding investigations.

The Palmetto Guest Home story, on Mr. Larson was a heartbreaking piece that really attests to the power of quality journalism. Andrews’ investigation led to the Palmetto Guest Home being shut down, and its owner being jailed and held accountable. Seeing stories like this really put my faith in the field again, because Mr. Larson had a story that needed to be told and who knows how many other people are now out of harms way as a result.

On the other hand, the firefighter piece was more of a disappointment. Andrews put together a good piece that brings to light the misuse and abuse of a contract stipulation. The exchange of time rule is in place to help firefighters in time of trouble, such as a death in the family and it shouldn’t be continuously abused. However what was really disappointing was the fact that after Andrews put in the time and work into this investigation, and in the end it just simply went away.

Another aspect of this presentation that I found to be interesting was the piece that Andrews did on Coe. I was shocked when Andrews revealed that Coe had committed suicide and that Andrews himself, had found his dead body. I know that there is a need to pursue a story, and to pursue justice, but at the expense of a human life seems like a high price. I don’t think that Andrews made the wrong choice, I just don’t know how I would feel if I were to be in his position.

Andrews and Doigg were both very interesting speakers and I enjoyed hearing about their work and their process in attaining the information for the stories. Investigative journalism is an important field that I value so much more after hearing their presentations.