Media v. EPPD, Part Deux

It wasn't quite Darrengate, but the good people at KTSM-TV Channel 9/KDBC-TV Channel 4 had their own running with the El Paso Police Department last week.

Hollis Grizzard, the manager for both stations, was on his way home on Thurday when he drove by the site of an accident involving a car and a pedestrian near the corner of Sunland Park Drive and Mesa Street. As most journalists would do, he pulled over and started reporting. He used his cell phone's video recorder to catch paramedics work on the boy who had suffered from non-life threatening injuries.

A police officer with the name tag of J. Chavez, came over and ordered Grizzard to leave, first and then question him about why he was shooting a minor. I should mention here that the site of traffic accidents are not private if they're in the public right of way, and that anyone — from the general public to members of the media — has the right to take pictures and shoot video if they so desire. Of course, they can't interfere with the work of law enforcement or emergency personnel, and they have to obey traffic rules.

Grizzard, it seems, was doing everything he is entitled to do, although he did admit to standing on a private driveway for "3 seconds."

A police spokesman said an investigation has been started.

To see Channel 9's news story on this incident click here.

Comments

[John]

Here's a story for you...All comments about this incident left on KDBC's website which show support for the police officer's actions are being censored.

The real tragedy involving one of El Paso's children is being trumped by a manufactured story designed to boost ratings in a similar fashion that "Darrengate" did. Do we have the right to film on public land? Of course. We also have the right to exercise discretion. Furthermore, journalists should have the integrity and ethical standards to distinguish between a personal tragedy, and a human interest story suitable for airing. How would you feel if your child were laying injured in the street, being filmed?

The callous tone and lack or respect this station manager demonstrated from the very start of this incident made my skin crawl. His very own video demonstrates how the police officer maintained a calm and professional tone the entire time, while Mr. Grizzard's reaction is reminiscent of a combative 13 year old.

I was on the fence about the KTSM/KDBC merger, but these latest incidents have ensured I will not be tuning in to these newscasts again.

[It doesn't matter.]

I don't work in television, but I watch it, and even I know he had every right to be doing what he was doing - his job. But don't worry, that right will be taken away too, soon enough so go play with yourself and your guns and don't worry about it.

[Pearl Rhoda Downey- Cross]

there is no purpose to picking on the Officer
He was doing his job and to have a camera running
on a 13 yr. old is so wrong. Bravo Officer, my
father who was also an officer with EPPD would
have done the same.

[Louster]

I think this entire story was just for ratings. There is/was no news value to it. It was not "News Worthy". There is no interest in a minor being injured on a public street.

[ED]

Eppd at it's finest. The big bad cell phone camera was stopping the EMTs from doing their job. So I assume that going on the City Council's to do list. Outlawing standing in public areas and use of cell phone cameras. That PO use his personal feelings get involved with his job. More training is needed.

[Gustavo]

Pearl:

If your dad would have done the same, then he would have violated the basic rights of Mr. Grizzard. Remember, there's no law against filming people on the street — age notwithstanding.

One could argue what is news and what is not, but the bottom line is that people have the freedom and the right to film the public right of way as long as they are not violating any law.

And for the record, a car accident involving a car hitting a pedestrian for the most part will always be newsworthy.

[Jesse]

Who cares...the station manager was wrong and so was the cop. The guy was standing in a private driveway...even if it was for just 3 seconds..that doesn't make it OK. Also the cop didn't know right away that he was with a news station. the police officer didn't even make that big a deal. i think that some cops go over the line but at the same time a lot of these reporters over do it as well..you are not going to get on CNN by being a rude ahole. that's what all of these "reporters are trying to do right? get a better job? and they do these so called stories to get there...its all nonsense.

[Sara]

I don't think filming is a big deal. Everything has to go through censorship and being that that kid was 13 I doubt they could use his name.

[Tan Stewie]

I still can't believe that some of the police officers think they can do anything they want. I know because I have seen it, and been rude to by police on my job.

Not all the EPPD officers are all bad. I think it is just those few who have that ego. The other officers are nice guys.

Oh and just so you all know. The accident involving a car and a pedestrian, would of never made the air waves, until the officer decided to "show his badge power".

Peral ask your dad before saying he would do something. I bet he would of handled it differenet.

[Tan Stewie]

haha sorry Pearl*

[Diver]

This is absolutely ridiculous. First of all, the "video" shot by the KTSM person looks like crap. Who cares? It's a non-life threatening incident that didn't even stop traffic to warrant it being considered a "traffic story." Kudos to the police office for showing restraint. Maybe KTSM hasn't heard, but there is a statute called "Failure to Obey" - and whether or not it ultimately gets thrown out after charged, Grizzard could have spent the evening in jail. This is a prime example of a television station sensationalizing a NOTHING story and now causing this police officer to endure a frivolous IA. Way to go, Grizzard.
I realize I'm "old school" television, but there's a saying, "Pick your battles carefully...."

[News Person]

The news guy had no way of knowing if the accident was life threatening or not. News people never do when they come on to a scene - they shoot video immediately and use it if needed. You know nothing about news. You would be amazed at all the video that is shot each day that never makes it on to the air. That's the way it works - shoot now, decide later when you have the information to make decisions about what will be used and what will not be used.

Newspapers are the same way. They shoot hundreds of pics a day and only a select few make it to print.

[Sean Paisano]

Can someone please tell me why Channel 4 News? KDBC TV TAPES (yes---TAPES!!!) it's news program at 3:00 PM and then goes "live", when it is, as stated...TAPED!!! Am I the only one who has noticed this or are we to believe that the product (news program) we are watching is actually something that most recently happened?

[Whiskey Tango Foxtrot]

I don't even think the taping of news matters anymore...but even though they are a duopoly, KTSM should not be so blatant about sharing stories with KDBC unless they plan on being KDSM. There has to be some ethics in news. Sharing a newsroom and sharing the news can be done, if you do it right. I haven't seen that yet at KDSM.

[Just me]

Two points:

a) The officer was full of it
b) KTSM: This was your top story? This?

That is all.

[Eddie Porto]

KDSM! That is funny! It was a bad idea for KTSM and KDBC to join forces. How long is this going to last?

[ALPHABAMBI]

I worked for Hollis Grizzard in Corpus Christi and this guy is an unhinged egomaniac. Want proof? He would not let reporters at KZTV interview Governor Rick Perry because Hollis thinks Perry is an idiot. Even more of a reason to interview the Governor of 11 million people,yes? Not to Hollis. He also aired video of a sexual assault plaintiff because he didn't believe the woman was raped. No responsible news station does that. Hollis Grizzard did because his son is in Huntsville for raping a teenage girl. See the connection? Sick.

[mediaisthedevil]

Don't even get me started with KZTV...