But......

unnamed.png

WTIC in Hartford has hired a new "Chief Investigative Reporter" that has zero experience as a Journalist.

The Tribune station hired Hartford’s retired Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley as the new Chief Investigator for the station’s newscasts.

“Brian is a lifelong Connecticut resident with decades of professional experience in the city of Hartford and surrounding communities. As a decorated former chief and true champion for our state, he will bring invaluable insight to our FOX61 viewers in our newly created role as Chief Investigator. Clearly one of the most recognizable faces in Connecticut, we know Brian with his extensive expertise will be an outstanding addition to our FOX61 team,” said WTIC News Director Liz Grey Godbout.

It's great that he's one of the "most recognizable faces in Connecticut" but he has no experience as a Journalist. 

Let me ask you this, if your family member was killed, would you want to the local TV Reporter trying to solve the crime, or would you want a police detective?

Hiring a police officer in the newsroom, surely has some big advantages. But, to take a guy that has no experience in Journalism and make him your "Chief Investigator" is a bit of a stretch don't you think.

In the station's press release that talk about how worked his way up through the police department. He started as a patrolman, then moved to detective, then lieutenant and finally made deputy chief. 

Yet, at WTIC he is not climbing any ranks and comes straight into the station as the "Chief Investigator."

I'm sorry, but I see this as a total slap in the face to Journalism and I also see it as the times in which we live. 

Stations are now hiring people because they are one of the "most recognizable faces" and it has nothing to do with their resume as a Journalist. 

Just saying...