Shining a light on local TV news
Our 3 award-winning documentaries shed light on the degradation of journalism in local TV news. The public service mission of journalism has been replaced by the emphasis on profit and efficiency.
The Trailers
Deadlines and Dollars (2007) Trailer runs 1:53
Running on Empty: The Brain Drain in Local TV News (2011) Trailer runs 2:05
Small Markets, Big Dreams (2016) Trailer runs :30
The Backstory
Solid journalism requires experienced reporters who need time, resources and support.
That’s the way it used to be when local TV station owners were vested in their community. But they sold out to broadcast groups that are publicly traded on Wall Street. The goal has shifted from serving the public interest to serving shareholders.
The result: short-staffed newsrooms are forced to provide content that’s quick and easy to cover, which is why you see more crime and grime stories. What you are missing are stories that impact your daily life such as: how your tax dollars are spent, how school board decisions affect your children, how environmental policies influence your quality of life.
You can make a difference if you change your news media diet. Avoid the empty calories of flash and trash news and switch to nutritional news offered by unbiased, trustworthy news outlets.
“Democracy dies in the dark.” This quote has been attributed to Judge Damon J. Keith, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit.
It depends on how much light you want. We hope our 3 documentaries inspire you to seek the light.
The Documentaries
TV stations key on profit and efficiency as reporters cover more stories for more newscasts. Crime and grime stories provide quick turnarounds with no time to add context.
This program aired in 35 TV markets on PBS stations and also won the BEA Award of Excellence.
Deadlines and Dollars (2007) Runs 59:04
Running on Empty: The Brain Drain in Local TV News (2011) Runs 56:59
TV newsrooms are now losing their top reporters more than ever. Many are laid off because they make too much money. Others quit because they’re so frustrated with the insignificant stories they must cover.
This program aired in 58 TV markets on PBS stations.
Small Markets, Big Dreams: 5 journalists start their careers inTV news (2016) Runs 57:17
Breaking into the TV news business is one thing. But do you have the drive and talent to move up the ladder?
This program won first place in the BEA faculty documentary division at Super-Regionals at the University of South Carolina.
The Team
Karin and Bill Schwanbeck have teamed up to produce thought-provoking documentaries since 2007 concerning journalism via: B&K Productions, LLC.
Karin Schwanbeck was a TV news reporter for 12 years, starting at WICD-TV in Champaign, Ill., then WEEK-TV in Peoria, Ill., WFMY-TV in Greensboro, N.C., WTVF-TV in Nashville, and KXTX-TV in Dallas. In 1992, she decided to get out of the newsroom and help young journalists “find their place in the sun.”
Associate Professor Emerita of Journalism, Quinnipiac University (2003-21)
Illinois State University (1997-2003)
U.T. Arlington (1992-1997)
Education:
Indiana University, B.A., Journalism/Political Science
Northwestern University, M.S., Broadcast Journalism
Wesleyan University, M.A., Liberal Studies
Bill Schwanbeck was a TV sports reporter/anchor for 21 years, starting at KAPP-TV in Yakima, Wash., then KXLY-TV in Spokane, Wash., KOIN-TV in Portland, WTVF-TV in Nashville, and 11 years at KDFW-TV in Dallas.
In 1997, he changed careers but not his passion for journalism by adjunct teaching at the college level for 23 years.
Quinnipiac University (2003-20)
U. of Hartford (2003-18)
Manchester, Asnuntuck, Middlesex C.C.
Illinois State University (1997-2003)
Education:
University of Washington, B.A. Communications
Illinois State University, M.S., Communication
