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What Happened to the News Reporting, Plus ATF Raid In Waco and More? Parole Board Bombshell, and the State of Journalism. What happened to investigative journalism? That’s a question that continues to resonate as modern newsrooms struggle under financial constraints and shifting priorities. Legendary investigative journalist Robert Riggs believes this critical form of journalism is fading fast in the U.S. His thoughts on this topic, paired with his groundbreaking coverage of the 1993 ATF raid in Waco and the corruption scandal involving the Texas Parole Board, highlight how far news reporting has evolved—and why it matters. Check out and follow the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Newsbreak, Medium and most all social media platforms.
Robert Riggs a semi-retired Investigative Journalist and host of the True Crime Reporter® Podcast is our guest. Listen to the interview with Robert as a free podcast on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, also available on Apple, Spotify and most major podcast platforms.
The Decline of Investigative Journalism
Investigative journalism, often called "watchdog reporting," requires time, resources, and a commitment to exposing wrongdoing. Unfortunately, the financial realities of today’s media landscape have made this increasingly rare. Riggs points to the rise of legal fears and the preference for sensational opinion pieces as the death knell for many American news outlets’ investigative efforts.
Traditionally spearheaded by newspapers and freelancers, investigative work is expensive and time-consuming. With the decline in advertising revenue, many outlets have cut back, leaving only nonprofit organizations like ProPublica or international collaborations (e.g., the Panama Papers) to fill the gap. This lack of funding has diminished the public's access to deeply researched, fact-based stories. What Happened to the News Reporting? Look for more stories about this in platforms like Medium and Newsbreak.
Riggs on the ATF Raid in Waco: A Journalist’s Perspective
Few events showcase the power of investigative journalism better than the 1993 ATF raid on the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas. Robert Riggs was on the ground, covering the harrowing 51-day siege that ended in tragedy with a fiery explosion and the deaths of nearly 80 people, including 22 children.
The raid began on February 28, 1993, when 70 agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) attempted to serve search and arrest warrants. They were met with gunfire from inside the compound, reportedly involving illegal machine guns. The resulting two-hour gun battle left four federal agents and six Davidians dead, with many others wounded. The interview with here is available as a free podcast on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show, which is available as a free podcast on their website on platforms like Apple, Spotify and most major podcast platforms.
The cult's leader, David Koresh, claimed to be the spiritual heir to King David and preached apocalyptic visions based on the Book of Revelation. As Riggs reported during the siege, the buildup of weapons and Koresh's radical teachings created a volatile situation that drew national attention. Riggs' coverage stood out for its depth, earning him accolades and cementing his reputation as one of journalism's finest. What Happened to the News Reporting, Plus ATF Raid In Waco and More? Keep informed by following the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, MeWe, Pinterest, Newsbreak, Medium and other social media platforms.
Exposing the Parole Board Bombshell
Investigative journalism’s importance is further exemplified in Riggs’ exposé of corruption within the Texas Parole Board. His reporting uncovered a shocking process where favors—including luxury cars for board members—facilitated the release of dangerous criminals like Kenneth McDuff.
McDuff, a former death row inmate, was paroled under a cloud of corruption. Riggs revealed how this system jeopardized public safety, ultimately prompting reforms in Texas' parole system. Riggs' tenacity earned him the George Foster Peabody Award for investigative reporting and national recognition for his fearless pursuit of truth. The interview is available as a free podcast on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show, which is available as a free podcast on their website on platforms like Apple, Spotify and most major podcast platforms.
Why Podcasts Are Filling the Gap
In an era where traditional journalism is struggling, platforms like "True Crime Reporter® Podcast" and the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcas are stepping in to provide audiences with detailed, immersive storytelling. What Happened to the News Reporting? Social media outlets like Facebook and Instagram also amplify the story, bringing it to a new generation.
The rise of podcasts as a medium reflects the public’s hunger for authentic, in-depth reporting. Recognized with a Webby Award for Best True Crime Podcast, Riggs' work demonstrates that while traditional investigative journalism may be waning, its principles can thrive in new formats. Platforms like the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, Apple Podcasts and Spotify make these stories more accessible, allowing listeners to become informed and vigilant.
How Big Tech Platforms Are Changing the Media Landscape
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Apple, and Spotify are reshaping how people consume news and entertainment. For Riggs, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. While these platforms offer unprecedented reach for podcasts and independent creators, they also contribute to the decline of traditional outlets by monopolizing advertising revenue.
Social media algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy, amplifying sensationalism and misinformation. Riggs uses his extensive archive of reporters' notebooks to craft narratives that are as educational as they are engaging. What Happened to the News Reporting, Plus ATF Raid In Waco and More? Be sure to follow the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and podcast on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Newsbreak, Medium and most all social media platforms.
The Future of Investigative Journalism
Despite its challenges, investigative journalism remains crucial for democracy and accountability. Riggs’ body of work serves as a reminder of the impact journalists can have when given the resources and freedom to dig deep. From Waco’s fiery conclusion to the murky dealings of the Texas Parole Board, these stories emphasize the enduring need for fearless reporting. Follow the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and podcast on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Newsbreak, Medium and most all social media platforms.
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What Happened to the News Reporting, Plus ATF Raid In Waco and More?
Attributions
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Retired Police Sergeant, Music Radio Personality, Talk Radio Show Host, Podcaster and Producer
John J. Wiley is a retired Police Sergeant turned radio personality. He has been a full time FM Music Radio DJ since 2005. In 2017 he founded the Law Enforcement Today Podcast, in a partnership with Robert Greenberg of Law Enforcement Today. The show is now named the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast.
Within a couple months a radio station heard an episode of the podcast and asked him to create a radio version, which he did. It has been syndicated since the Spring of 2017 and has numerous affiliate radio stations across the US.
