Monday, March 28, 2011

Never justice

I don't think I need to say much about this video -- it's pretty self-explanatory. But I will say this: it was arguably the most difficult story I've ever had to put together. It's Canada's looming issue with high rates of murdered and missing aboriginal women that made me want to tell this story, because ultimately, I think everyone should be paying attention to these campaigns. However, there's nothing that could've prepared me for the interview or the script writing process. Interviewing a mother whose daughter has been murdered was unbearable. The moment I walked into Barb Houle's tiny apartment decorated with photos of her deceased daughter, Cherisse, I felt such a deep sadness in the room. Knowing I could never understand how she felt or what to say to bring a moment of happiness to our first encounter was painfully frustrating. The script wasn't easier and it had to be written in 20 minutes. I didn't know where to start and I knew, and still feel, I could never get enough in or say it just right.

I would say that having to report on these kinds of stories is one of the most difficult tasks a journalist can face because one wants to show compassion, but also has to bring a neutral, business-like stance to the table under a very limited deadline. To compensate, all I ask is for you to view the story and pass along its message.

1 comment:

  1. This story is so well done, you and Chase did a wonderful job.

    I've shared it with many families who have daughters, wives, sisters, etc that have gone missing, and they've all responded with a great deal of gratitude for keeping the awareness about this issue out there...

    As hard as these stories are, they need to be told, and you are a great person to give people a voice.

    Great work.

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