“Criminal Caretakers”
Recipient of the BEST TELEVISION INVESTIGATIVE REPORT award in The Charles E. Green Awards (2017)
Charlotte Huffman
WFAA-TV, Dallas Fort Worth
Judge’s Comments:
The reporter identified an important issue: a loophole in the state law that allows convicted criminals to be hired to work at nursing homes. There was good research about the law and how many criminal nursing home aides were in the system. There were strong anecdotes to humanize the story. The series also demonstrated that it could affect change, as a Texas state lawmaker pledged to take action to close the loopholes. Some strong video, visuals and graphics. The writing was clear and the view had a clear understanding of the issues.
Don Heider
Dean, School of Communication
Loyola University
Judge’s Bio:
Don Heider is the Dean of the School of Communication at Loyola University. Before beginning a teaching career he served as syndication producer for the Gillett News Bureau in Washington D.C., special projects producer and Manager of Special News for WSMV and WTVF in Nashville, Tenn., and executive producer at WTVC in Chattanooga, Tenn. During his broadcasting career, he has been recognized with five Emmy awards and an Associated Press award.
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