Recruiting the Mentally Ill
Phil Williams, who has been on News Gems before and won a 2003 SDX award for his revelations of corruption by University of Tennessee President John ShumakerÃs, is again proving he's one of the best investigative reporters in local broadcast. Last week Williams of WTVF Channel 5 in Nashville showed how local military recruiters have coached people signing up for the Army to lie about their mental illnesses. Williams' "Army Recruiters Caught on Hidden Camera" has strong footage of recruiters telling enlistees that it's OK to lie about their anti-depressant medications. He also has powerful interviews with parents whose son was accepted in the Army despite a history of depression and then killed himself. Thanks to the good people at Investigative Reporters & Editors and the Poynter Institute's Al Tompkins who recommended this story. www.newschannel5.com/Global/category.asp?C=99556
There's been some backlash against the use of hidden cameras, but I think it's well worth it in this case. In what instances do you think it's worthwhile?