In this episode, our host Lindsey Banks explores the history of racial profiling of crime coverage in American journalism that has created mistrust between the media and communities of color. She talks with two local journalists about their experience covering crime particularly as it relates to mistakes in crime coverage and how we can achieve excellent journalism. Thomasi McDonald is a journalist, actor and poet who graduated from North Carolina Central University. He currently reports for Indy Week. Previously, he worked for the Raleigh News & Observer, reporting on crime and public policy issues. Amanda Lamb is a television reporter at WRAL who has more than 30 years of journalistic experience. She graduated from Duke University and then earned her Masters of Science in journalism from Northwestern University. She has also written several true crime novels and is host of the true crime podcast Follow the Truth, which covers the murder of Michael Jordan’s father. They join Lindsey to discuss their experience in the field as it relates to crime coverage and racial profiling, as well as how we can achieve excellent journalism
From the Guests
I always thought that the person who had been charged with the crime, his or her story was equally compelling.” -Thomasi McDonald (2:06)
The question is what’s the value of reporting that crime. The way that I look at it sometimes is what am I offering the viewer? How am I educating that by sharing this story, is this an important story?” -Amanda Lamb (8:13)
“In general, unless you're looking for somebody, or unless the case has something specifically to do with race, and the race of the person doesn't mean anything. It's not important to the story. Just like somebody's name isn't always important to a story.” -Amanda Lamb (12:30) [
“Do the little things. Call bullshit for what it is. Do your homework. Put in the work. That's so important. Find common ground. Try to be fair.” - Thomasi McDonald (16:07) [