From Jena ... to Koppel

A bit of a head snap today; I hope it wasn't too jarring to go from the "Jena Six" to the fall TV schedule. We wanted to do both. The "Jena Six" story has been an ongoing interest of many of our listeners; we thought it was a particularly timely lead since the La Salle Parish District Attorney, Reed Walters, decided to publish an op-ed in the New York Times defending his office's decision to pursue attempted murder charges against the six teens.

One thing I don't understand: Walters then refused all interview requests saying his office is under a gag order. That's true, since the case has moved to juvenile court, the parties have been barred from talking to the media; a pretty standard rule for the juvenile system.

So, why did that order not apply to the op-ed? Was it because the article pertained to the original adult charges?

Anyway, it was good to hear his point of view; unfortunate not to be able to talk to him about it more thoroughly.

And... It was also useful to talk to Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-MI), chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus, which is very interested in the case and is discussing it this weekend at the 37th Annual Legislative Conference in D.C.

Then on to TV...

A television show derived from a car insurance commercial? A reality show about little kids running a town? A family drama based on a sugar cane growing family? We talked about it all. Our TV critics were so hilarious. We hope they'll come back mid-season to talk about the mid- season replacement shows.

And, finally, Ted Koppel. What can I say? You know him as the dry-witted, sharp anchorman on the late night news. I know him as the guy who drove nine hours in the rain after he got off the air to sit in the family pew with me at my nephew's funeral. I think you got a little of his deep humanity in that interview. A little. We decided to talk to him this week because he received a lifetime achievement award at the news and documentary Emmys. He also picked up another Emmy Award. And, we thought it was a good time to talk to him in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the "Little Rock 9" being admitted to Central High School in Arkansas. Talking about, and thinking about race, has been one of the hallmarks of his career. We enjoyed what he had to say about it ... all.

Tomorrow... Our show will be TIGHT! You'll hear from that Nobel Laureate I was telling you about. Plus, one of the most influential media figures you may have never heard of.

Plus, gearing up for the GOP debate: the GOP and minorities....

Michel Martin

10:53 PM ET | 09-26-2007 | permalink

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10:53 PM ET | 09-26-2007 | permalink