Airing Out the Local TV News Industry's Own Dirty Laundry: Why are Some Investigative Reports Censored Or Killed?

Local television news is the country's most popular source for news; however the industry may not be as forthcoming as the public believes. There is evidence that managers at some television stations water down investigative reports or prevent them from airing at all. This study examines the reasons why local television investigations were censored or killed in New England in the last five years. Journalists reveal that managers censored four stories, which resulted in a softening of the tone of the reports. The journalists also report that managers killed 19 stories and stopped them from airing on television. Much of the reasoning behind this interference points to the fact that television stations are putting their financial interests ahead of the public's right to know.