The chapter delves into the profound impact of investigative reporting by two lawyers who challenged the legal system to expose wrongdoing and seek justice in a long-overlooked case. It highlights the hurdles faced in investigating stories in small towns, the transition from print to podcast storytelling, and the lack of closure and accountability in a case of significant injustice and illegality. The chapter underscores the importance of local reporting in shedding light on dark realities, even when faced with obstacles and challenges.
Meribah Knight is a reporter with Nashville Public Radio. She won the Polk Award for Podcasting for “The Kids of Rutherford County,” produced with ProPublica and Serial, which revealed a shocking approach to juvenile discipline in one Tennessee county.
“Where does it leave me? It leaves me with a searing anger that is going to propel me to the next thing. But we’ve made some real improvement. And that’s worth celebrating. That’s worth recognizing and saying, This work matters, people are paying attention.”
This is the third in a week-long series of conversations with winners of this year's George Polk Awards in Journalism.
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