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What TV Reporters Really Do and Why It Can Be So Helpful to Lawyers

Montage of images of Joe Douglass working as a TV reporter

During my 16+ years working in TV news as an investigative reporter, producer, and editor in Los Angeles, Portland, Oregon, and Pensacola, Florida, I often felt like people had no idea what I did for a living.


People were frequently surprised when I told them I wrote my scripts and even what the anchors said when they tossed to me. After logging everything we filmed, I chose all the soundbites in my stories, which is part of writing them. I shot a lot of video myself. I edited stories. I set them up, including multiple interviews and locations. I fact-checked everything. I gathered and triaged tips. I filed public records requests. I interviewed people. On top of that, I had to write an entire web article and social media posts, appear in multiple shows with fresh stories or angles, and pitch at least two actionable stories daily. All of it had to be legally sound, as in it wouldn’t get the station sued, and done on strict deadlines.


One of my investigative reports led to a major school district facing nearly $2.2 million in lawsuits. This particular case involved uncovering a teacher’s alleged abuse of elementary school students and the subsequent raises and promotions he received. I conducted compelling interviews and airtight fact-checking to ensure accuracy and legal safety.


My investigative work resulted in other significant legal outcomes, including health insurers being fined hundreds of thousands of dollars, a man being freed after he was wrongfully imprisoned in Mexico, an embattled police officer accused of unethical conduct stepping down, and more. These outcomes showcase not only my ability to tell powerful stories but also the profound legal impact that well-crafted narratives can achieve.


As a three-time Emmy-nominated storyteller and the founder of Clear Eyed Media, I’ve continued to see firsthand the substantial impact that expertly crafted videos can have on legal cases. Hiring a professional video storyteller, not just a technician, is crucial, whether for a settlement documentary, wrongful death video, or other legal media.


At Clear Eyed Media, we specialize in creating emotional, intriguing videos that drive home a point and make it stick—exactly what attorneys must do to persuade. Our team produces highly professional images and edits and knows how to craft network TV-quality stories that can withstand the most stringent legal vetting.


Law firms looking to boost their settlements and make a lasting impression should look no further than Clear Eyed Media. We’re here to elevate your cases with expert storytelling that makes a difference.


Ready to get started? Reach out today!


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