Local TV News: A Lifeline During L.A. Wildfires
In the face of the devastating wildfires that swept across Los Angeles on Jan. 7, frightened residents turned to a surprising source for immediate information and comfort: local TV news broadcasts. Anchors and correspondents worked tirelessly, spending hours in the field and on the air to provide life-saving details about evacuations and damage, along with a much-needed sense of emotional support.
Expert Praise for Local Stations
Veteran TV news producer Jonathan Wald, who has worked for NBC News and CNN, commended the performance of local stations during the crisis. Despite facing incredible tragedy, these stations remained knowledgeable and composed as they covered the unfolding events in their neighborhoods.
Local TV: A Trusted Source
While traditional TV viewing has declined in the age of streaming, local TV news has maintained its credibility and trustworthiness. According to the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, 62% of Americans surveyed trust local TV news, surpassing network, cable, and digital sources.
Personal Stories of Resilience
Elex Michaelson, a veteran anchor at Fox’s KTTV, shared a personal anecdote about the emotional toll of covering the wildfires. Learning that his childhood neighborhood was being evacuated, Michaelson struggled to maintain composure, highlighting the personal stakes involved for journalists reporting on their own communities.
Jasmine Viel of CBS station KCAL and her husband Marc Cota-Robles, both journalists, faced grueling 12 to 14-hour shifts while their children were cared for by Viel’s mother. Their brief interactions at home during the disaster reflected the overwhelming uncertainty and stress they experienced.
Community Support and Generosity
Local TV reporters went above and beyond their journalistic duties to help residents in need. Jasmine Viel rescued pet chickens and ducks from a Pasadena woman’s coop, while Gigi Graciette diligently provided viewers with crucial location information to keep them informed and safe.
The impact of local TV news coverage extended beyond Los Angeles, inspiring acts of generosity and support. Stories shared by reporters led to offers of temporary shelter and donations to assist those affected by the wildfires, showcasing the power of journalism in bringing communities together during times of crisis.
