It’s not unusual to see an attorney or a police officer appear on a television news broadcast. They often are the best, or only, source of information about what happened and when it happened.
In the highly competitive 24/7 news cycle of the 21st Century, that’s not enough to offer viewers.
“Our responsibility isn’t just what and when, it’s why,” said Bob Longo, news director at Action News WFOX TV-30 and WJAX TV-47.
“If you want substantive reporting, you need the why,” he said.
To provide the insight that goes beyond the basic facts, Action News regularly calls on attorney Dale Carson, billed as “law and safety expert,” and former Jacksonville police officer Ken Jefferson, the stations’ “crime and safety expert.”
Longo said each provides “valuable information for our viewers.”
The trend began locally at WJXT TV-4, said Bob Ellis, vice president and general manager of the local independent television station.
When the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office a few years ago ended news organizations’ access to police radio scanners, the station hired Ken Jefferson, a retired 24-year veteran police officer, to help viewers better understand certain elements of law enforcement stories.
“JSO decided information needed to be controlled, so we brought Ken aboard. If JSO wouldn’t give us information, we needed someone to explain what was happening,” Ellis said.
When Jefferson decided to run for sheriff, he stepped away as the station’s crime and safety expert and was replaced by Gil Smith, who served for 26 years with the sheriff’s office.
Ellis said no matter where an incident occurs — such as the recent shootings in San Bernardino, Calif. — it can create a sense of vulnerability for local viewers.
“Gil can make our viewers feel safe,” Ellis said.
Rob Mennie, president and general manager of WTLV TV-12 and WJXX TV-25, said his stations don’t have full-time law and safety experts. First Coast News calls on sources as needed, he said.
Jefferson now regularly appears on Action News, as does Carson, a former Miami-Dade County police officer and FBI agent. He is a practicing attorney and a member of The Jacksonville Bar Association.
Carson joined Action News in 2014 when Michael Dunn went on trial for the murder of Jordan Davis.
He has since been on the air to comment on myriad issues, most recently the legal aspects of the El Faro cargo ship being lost at sea in October during Hurricane Joaquin.
“My function is to educate people about what the system is doing, but in non-legal terms. I try to speak in a way that can help people understand,” he said.
While he finds his work in the courtroom rewarding, Carson said being involved in broadcast news and becoming something of a local television personality has its own rewards.
“There are a lot of similarities between what attorneys and police officers do and what reporters do. Both investigate and find the truth,” he said.
“And it’s also a lot of fun.”
@DRMaxDowntown
(904) 356-2466