  Lostlegumes Member Username: Lostlegumes Post Number: 1 Registered: 09-2007 |
www.firejerryo.com has an interesting tidbit about Steve Wilson getting caught sneaking around the Manoogian Mansion property. | ||
Granmontrules Member Username: Granmontrules Post Number: 237 Registered: 01-2007 |
Wow and this is your first post? You must be a star reporter Lostlegumes. What is this web site? Who is Jerry O - why should he be fired? | ||
Detroit_stylin Member Username: Detroit_stylin Post Number: 5284 Registered: 10-2003 |
Granmont you really are a noob arent you? | ||
Lostlegumes Member Username: Lostlegumes Post Number: 2 Registered: 09-2007 |
The site is run by John Bennett. The Jerry O. reference is to the former DPD chief; Bennett was a Detroit police officer who lost his job because of the 'laundry' he aired on his webpage. I think the site is now detroituncovered.com--which sends you to the original URL. I'm not sure, but Mr. Bennett may be working in law enforcement locally again, just not for Detroit. | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 838 Registered: 10-2003 |
Steve is just looking for a Pic-a-Nic basket.  | ||
Gnome Member Username: Gnome Post Number: 264 Registered: 08-2007 |
I had my camera phone:  | ||
Gumby Member Username: Gumby Post Number: 1622 Registered: 11-2003 |
Oh Yeah! | ||
Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 1640 Registered: 11-2003 |
hahahahahahahahahahahaha. I found this video of Steve Wilson trying to sneak into a court proceeding.... http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm ?fuseaction=vids.individual&vi deoid=11063272 (Message edited by Jerome81 on October 26, 2007) | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 6208 Registered: 11-2004 |
I never knew a big guy like Steve could "sneak". BTW- funny stuff Jerome81 | ||
Granmontrules Member Username: Granmontrules Post Number: 239 Registered: 01-2007 |
HAHA Steve Wilson does look like the kool aid guy. Actually we shouldn't even watch him or give him any credit. I think he just likes to trash the City. | ||
Ramcharger Member Username: Ramcharger Post Number: 482 Registered: 05-2006 |
How is reporting on a corrupt mayor that continually loots city coffers trashing the city? | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 839 Registered: 10-2003 |
I poke fun, but I have nothing but respect for Steve Wilson. Keep on sneakin' on, Steve! | ||
Gnome Member Username: Gnome Post Number: 266 Registered: 08-2007 |
People just hate being told their wife is ugly and their children stupid, even if it's true, they don't like hearing it Steve Wilson does a fine job but he is kind of over-the-top in a lot of his tactics. He does that whole, "Have you stopped beating your wife?" kind of questions that some folks like and other folks think is rather shabby. Good reporter? He's my favorite but I don't think he's very good in an objective sense. Bill Proctor has that cool, "just the facts" delivery that many folks appreciate. But, I do think Steve Wilson is exactly like the Koo-aid man...breaks through walls at just the wrong/right time, yells, "Oh yeaaah", and he's a little chubby. "Oh yeeeah" | ||
Falstaff Member Username: Falstaff Post Number: 69 Registered: 09-2007 |
Steve Wilson is the most unethical television reporter in this market. | ||
That_gurl_kat Member Username: That_gurl_kat Post Number: 23 Registered: 10-2007 |
I have no respect for Steve Wilson as a television reporter. He seems more interested in sensationalizing than reporting. Kinda classless in his "GOTHCA!" approach to what he considers reporting. But, I guess it makes for good entertainment... kinda like a televised version of a tabloid magazine. | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 2007 Registered: 04-2006 |
I have no respect for Steve Wilson as a television reporter. He seems more interested in sensationalizing than reporting. Pretty much. And when WXYZ realized that it translated into a boost in ratings, they ran with it and made Ray Sayah his sidekick. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for exposing the truth, but the local news seemed to be turning into a tabloid. | ||
Abracadabra Member Username: Abracadabra Post Number: 218 Registered: 04-2007 |
Gnome, Golick. That was classical. My kids are looking at me like I'm crazy for busting out laughing. Related (to Kool-Aid) : http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZP1 USaPMXpI (Message edited by Abracadabra on October 27, 2007) | ||
Wash_man Member Username: Wash_man Post Number: 487 Registered: 05-2006 |
I've never liked Steve Wilson, but my opinion is starting to change after watching this video. It also includes his wife. (This is a serious link, no Kool-Aid!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =eZkDikRLQrw | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 3006 Registered: 06-2004 |
So much of what he's been investigating seems to fall into one of two categories: trivial, or vendetta driven. It's not that hard to jump politicians and civil servants, but how about looking into situations where change could really be effected if officials were given good information they don't have time or resources to gather themselves? Why not focus on the markets satisfied by scrappers or architectural thieves? Why not actually look into and assist DPD in establishing a public reporting system for crime? All the channels doing Crimestoppers, Most Wanted, etc. why not fund a website mapping incidents and updated weekly so that people can get a true picture of local neighborhoods? If you suddenly learned your neighborhood, where you've lived comfortably for years, had one of the highest crime rates in the city, wouldn't you participate more in reporting crime? Give people information that's useful other than on election days and in the voting booth, especially if not giving enough to get the pols indicted or otherwise out of office quickly. (Message edited by lilpup on October 27, 2007) | ||
Renfirst Member Username: Renfirst Post Number: 66 Registered: 12-2006 |
Washman. I caught Wilson in that doc before the Kwame stories, etc. and I have to say that it almost makes him look worse when you see what kind of reporting he's capable of producing. It's a shame. | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 3633 Registered: 12-2005 |
quote:I still can't believe this isn't already done. Other cities do it. Surely the information exists when crimes are reported. It doesn't seem too much more difficult to automatically route it to a webpage. | ||
Granmontrules Member Username: Granmontrules Post Number: 241 Registered: 01-2007 |
Girl_Kat - That sums up how I feel. It is all sensationalized. It isn't really like news but more like the National Enquirer for TV. | ||
Nainrouge Member Username: Nainrouge Post Number: 291 Registered: 05-2006 |
Jimaz, That would be easy to do - if DPD felt like releasing their data which they won't. They release it for the city as a whole as they are required to by law but they will not release it by neighborhood. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 3009 Registered: 06-2004 |
Aren't the specifics of all arrests resulting in charges public information? | ||
Yvette248 Member Username: Yvette248 Post Number: 1010 Registered: 10-2006 |
Saying Steve Wilson is hard-hitting news reporter is like Jerry Springer does informational interviews. LOL | ||
Lostlegumes Member Username: Lostlegumes Post Number: 3 Registered: 09-2007 |
Wonder why he hasn't come on to defend himself yet? And will he face tresspassing charges? | ||
Mcp001 Member Username: Mcp001 Post Number: 3055 Registered: 11-2003 |
He's been known to lurk around here from time to time. If he wants to make himself known, he will. | ||
Wash_man Member Username: Wash_man Post Number: 493 Registered: 05-2006 |
He's bbaaaack! I just saw a promo for his latest "investigation". This time he's going after Star Jones (WTF?) As predicted, it will air on November 1st, just in time for sweeps month. Steve should get some pointers from Scott Lewis. Just ask Lonnie Bates. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 6252 Registered: 11-2004 |
Relentlessly tracking down Star Jones for weight loss hints perhaps? That's an odd one. Usually Steve's got his hands on some juicier subjects to pursue. But then that's why he gets people to tune in- we've just got to see what sort of mischief someone's going to get busted on. | ||
Wash_man Member Username: Wash_man Post Number: 497 Registered: 05-2006 |
Anyone see this "report"? He obviously coerced her into an interview under false pretenses. Of course, we'll never hear her side. BTW, if the organization is able to raise 40K to fly Star Jones in, couldn't that money be put to better use? Also, I checked their website and it doesn't look like a charity as SW says. (Message edited by wash_man on November 02, 2007) | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 3031 Registered: 06-2004 |
Did SW get pimped because he didn't do his homework or is he being complicit with a smear campaign against Star Jones? http://www.tmz.com/2007/11/02/ stars-in-big-trouble-with-detr oit-big-girls/ (be sure to read the linked docs) (Message edited by lilpup on November 02, 2007) | ||
Gplimpton Member Username: Gplimpton Post Number: 80 Registered: 05-2007 |
I would guess XYZ cooperated with these guys since TMZ got the video. Why would u call this a smear campaign? When someone steals your money, what do you call it? | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 3033 Registered: 06-2004 |
Read the linked documents at the TMZ website - the payment terms of the contract weren't met by the Detroit group. | ||
Wash_man Member Username: Wash_man Post Number: 500 Registered: 05-2006 |
This might have been "news" if it was reported immediately after the Super Bowl, not 22 months later. Get Scott Lewis on this! lol | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 3043 Registered: 06-2004 |
SO now SW says it's NOT what Star Jones has a legal right to do, but what she SHOULD do...THEN he admits a demand for retraction has been received from Ms Jones lawyers... Is SW normally on the noon news? Aren't his comments usually reserved for the heavier evening viewership? | ||
Informed Member Username: Informed Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2007 |
The only heavy thing about SW is SW... That guy is as far from a journalist as a person can get. If he can't goat a person into a comment he just makes quotes up and moves on. He has been run out of every town he has ever worked in. Not to mention he ripped off Fox News in Fla. for over a million. He and Grace Gilchrist are a heck of a pair... | ||
Wash_man Member Username: Wash_man Post Number: 512 Registered: 05-2006 |
He seems to have disappeared after November sweeps, as usual. The next sweeps is February. Enjoy the two month reprieve without him. | ||
Rb336 Member Username: Rb336 Post Number: 4057 Registered: 02-2007 |
"Steve Wilson is the most unethical television reporter in this market." no, he's one of the few actual investigative journalists we have, and the guy turned down a big-bucks settlement with Fox because he wouldn't sign a confidentiality statement | ||
Digitalvision Member Username: Digitalvision Post Number: 469 Registered: 11-2003 |
I am torn on Steve. Although yes, he did good work on that story about hormones, I've heard numerous stories of him berating people, making fun of a 19-year old television journalism student and calling her "not pretty enough to be in television." He also interviews under false pretenses, skews the story to one side for sensationalism - of course, I don't want TV news anymore for this reason. WDET, NPR and BBC all the way. Not perfect, but way better than the showtime journalism of local news. Some of it isn't his fault - it's the culture - news station managers love that stuff. It gets ratings - and after all, news, for the most part in America, is a business. We wouldn't be getting this banal stuff on local news unless people were watching it to sell the time to advertisers. | ||
Lefty2 Member Username: Lefty2 Post Number: 763 Registered: 07-2007 |
^"Not pretty enough to be on television" He probably saved the poor girl a lot of wasted time. Maybe she would be better on radio. | ||
Gplimpton Member Username: Gplimpton Post Number: 106 Registered: 05-2007 |
Digital, what do you mean? Do you know this story first hand? A little background would help. Have you ever been interviewed by Steve? How do you know he arranges interviews under false pretenses? Can you honestly say that after watching Steve's stories (frequently the most un-sexy of stories on television, but arguably the most substantive), that he is merely in this for ratings? What is your basis? | ||
Steve_wilson_wxyztv Member Username: Steve_wilson_wxyztv Post Number: 145 Registered: 01-2005 |
You know, one of the great things about being on television is how anybody can dress you up as Yogi Bear on the internet, not to mention pass off wild (and false) speculation about you as truth. Now listen, Digitalvision, you've been misinformed. If you really knew me at all, you'd know I would be the LAST to tell a student she wasn't pretty enough to be on TV. You think guys who look like ME could say such a thing with a straight face? Puh-leeeeeze. It never happened. Now, this is not to say I might tell a student in direct, maybe-not-so-polite terms that I think they're getting into this business for the wrong reasons like "It looks like easy money" or "I just want to be on TV" or "I think it would be cool to be recognized everywhere you go." Maybe my opinion like that could have been mistaken for "berating?" And we might also agree more than we disagree about the state of TV News these days, D-V. But whomever told you I do interviews under false pretenses or deliberately skew a story for sensationalism or any other reason? That informant doesn't know what he/she is talking about. I've said before this is a tough room. I know, for whatever reason, a number of visitors here don't like me, or should I say my direct style of reporting. That's okay. No hard feelings. But if you're going to take shots at me, maybe you could at least base them on facts--and, while you're at it, pass up the low-hanging fruit of criticizing me for being admittedly overweight? | ||
Lefty2 Member Username: Lefty2 Post Number: 766 Registered: 07-2007 |
I kid, I like you're reporting, more cities need hard exposes on the goings on behind the scenes. The market will sift out the good and bad. Some people can't handle the truth. | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 887 Registered: 10-2003 |
Steve, I did dress you up like Yogi Bear, but a few messages later I wrote that I have nothing but respect for you. Besides, Yogi is smarter than the average bear! | ||
Rjk Member Username: Rjk Post Number: 988 Registered: 11-2003 |
"I've heard numerous stories of him berating people, making fun of a 19-year old television journalism student and calling her "not pretty enough to be in television." That's cheap. Around a year ago someone made similar negative comments about Emery King and they were roundly criticized by many people on this board, including the administrator. SW should be afforded the same level of respect. With no evidence to back up those claims they're pretty much pointless. | ||
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell Post Number: 4354 Registered: 10-2003 |
One nice thing about a forum is that unfounded accusations get exposed in the end. The truth is alway elusive but by the end of a thread we are closer to it than at the start. Love him or hate him Steve comes on here, takes his licks and challenges the cheap shots. Give him his dues and respect him like any other forum member. Now Steve, what happened with your promises to get on with exposing the greatest serial rape case in Detroit -- insurance redlining? | ||
Digitalvision Member Username: Digitalvision Post Number: 470 Registered: 11-2003 |
I checked it - it was a young reporter for the city of Warren's local cable "news." I think she also was in college at the time. I am sure, since I have friends both at the city of Warren and the city of Detroit governments, you've not made friends there so my view is a little skewed, and I accept that - LOL! (I don't work for either). Having also spoken to people wanting to be in the business (I used to be on the production side for a little while - went into private practice doing online media) I do agree that a lot of people get into the news business for the wrong reasons. If someone is getting into TV news to be a star and to have their name in lights, it's the wrong reason. It, for most folks, takes many years and a lot of work to even make it to a top ten market. So yes, I can completely understand how someone could take it from what you describe to "berate." My apologies if that was the case. Most of the problems I have with TV news are not of your control, and not with you per se. I also, due to stories like the good work you did in Florida, am cynical and skeptical. It bothers me greatly when good, positive news gets skipped for a steady diet of blood and guts. It pains me there aren't many stories on subjects like redlining which Lowell mentions - something that has evil roots, based in racist practices all the way to the 1940s. I am sorry I came off a bit rough, and please accept my apologies. I should of extended more courtesy, and my semi-cynical nature got the best of me. Frankly, I don't believe you or any reporter can learn all sides of a story in a 30 second to two minute bite or do it justice, and I also know that valid stories without strong visuals get skipped, as it's TV. There also is no to little discussion in American news, nor are the honest questions that are asked on a regular basis by reporters or the public. I think of question time on BBC as an example of truly keeping elected officials accountable - and because it's a regular happening, no one looks at it askance. Steve, I am sure you have the very best of intentions to fight for people. Sometimes, however, to some people, it comes off a little hyped up. Although that obviously is not your stated intent, seeing the feedback on this forum shows that I'm not alone in feeling that way. I don't know why that is.... but maybe, as constructive criticism in the spirit of improvement, you should think about how that comes off. | ||
Alan55 Member Username: Alan55 Post Number: 901 Registered: 09-2005 |
Look, it's easy - don't like Wilson? Watch Channel 4, or Channel 62, or read a book. Better yet, note what companies buy commercials before, during, and after his segments, and don't patronize them, and ask your friends, family, and neighbors to not patronize them. Just like Jerry Springer, his tabloid exposes draw a crowd, and aren't going away soon. All you can do is your part in limiting their profitability. | ||
Gnome Member Username: Gnome Post Number: 463 Registered: 08-2007 |
Don't think Steve Wilson needs anyone defending him, as he is a big boy and can take care of himself. Howver, DigitalVision throwing around unfounded rumors deserves its own comment.  | ||
Islandman Member Username: Islandman Post Number: 1228 Registered: 08-2004 |
I think it's great that he comes on here and posts, in light of what some people on here say say/think about him. Kudos to you Steve. | ||
Redvetred Member Username: Redvetred Post Number: 135 Registered: 04-2007 |
Steve, Keep up the hard-hitting work but show more at 5 and 6 as I can't stay up 'til 11. I ignore all promos for the 11 PM news. | ||
The_ed Member Username: The_ed Post Number: 1476 Registered: 10-2007 |
Steve Wilson is the people's reporter. He has the balls to say and do what no other reporter will. Right Arm Steve! | ||
Informed Member Username: Informed Post Number: 11 Registered: 11-2007 |
The_ed, "he has the balls to say what no other reporter will", yeah, like lies and mistruths, he makes up stories like that Bull with the Mayor who never went to the pension board convention. He also makes statements that are speculation passing them off as if they were proof knowing full well that he has nothing. This man is a fraud as a journalist. There I wrote all of that without any mention of his fat smelly body | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 11087 Registered: 12-2003 |
Heya Informed, Welcome. Thanks for the smell-o-vision here in the ether, from those of us otherwise olfactorily challenged. Sounds as if he's honest with his odors, too. I tend to doubt and subtly fear those who smell TOO good all the time. Ain't human...ain't natural. Sounds like you have a beef with the Beef. Care to offer up any substantial excrement to back up those wee farts of yours?! Cheers. | ||
Steve_wilson_wxyztv Member Username: Steve_wilson_wxyztv Post Number: 146 Registered: 01-2005 |
Digitalvision, no apologies necessary...and thanks for the thoughtful comments, most of which I agree with. THAT kind of discussion is exactly why I regularly read this board...and I've gotten better at just ignoring "Informed" and others, except when they just post outright, demonstrably false information. Aside to Informed: That Bull was 100% correct...yes, the mayor didn't go after he found out there were at least two reporters in Hawaii to watch. The first-class airfares (he and Carlita), the suite on a neighbor-island when he was SUPPOSEDLY headed to a conference on Oahu...every bit was true. Let's let the viewers decide who, if anyone, is the fraud. Back to Digitalvision's points: You know, after my experience at Fox, I was so with you and your assessment of TV, I was ready to quit altogether. Even my friends at the network operations I'd respected so long were telling me inside stories that were just disgusting. When I was offered a chance to come to Detroit on the promise I could investigate any topic aggressively without fear or favor (advertisers and influential politicians included) I came--with an out that I could leave whenever it turned out differently. My feeling was instead of griping about where TV News is headed, I could make more of an impact from the inside doing what I believe is work truly in the public interest. Now, in my seventh year year, the promises have been kept and never once have I been steered off a story for any reason unrelated to good journalism. I know this is not true elsewhere, not in this market and not anywhere else that springs to mind in other states, too. And not even at the networks which used to be the gold standard but are not anymore. This is not to say TV is not driven by financial success (read: ratings). The brightest managers in TV still know you can't have a truly good business (financially and by community-respect standards) without having good, solid (and I would say aggressive) journalism. By the same token, good reporters know you can't have good journalism without good business. It's a delicate balancing act...and why "non-visual" stories that won't draw an audience but are still vitally important (like auto insurance) don't run in highly-promotable sweeps times...but they DO eventually run at good places. I've promised Lowell and others that this is a story I will do in Detroit and we've been following and shooting some of the recent developments. I must tell you though, it is not lost on me that when a story like Star Jones comes along--which IS a valid story in its own way--it's important to do that work, too. If we can't draw people into the tent, our solid work on "issue" pieces will be seen by no one. Finally, I appreciate the constructive criticism. Just as it's easy to mistake the tone/intent of the written word in an e-mail, I'm always conscious that honest aggressiveness can appear to be a gimmick, trumped up, or even mean-spirited on camera. It's something all of us in the media need to be reminded of now and again and I thank you for doing so. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 11090 Registered: 12-2003 |
Steve, I'd like the redlining story to delve deeper into the issues of forced insurances and the very-rare 'No Fault' system we enjoy in this state. The whole system is 'All-Faulted', and yes...you can use that if you choose. IF an insurance requirement is forced upon the public, then the government MUST make a public concern for those who are unable to afford even PL&PD minimum coverage...OR get us a workable bus system to get the poorer amongst us to work on time, all the time. Same with this silly health insurance debate...it is all framed in the current Insurance industry fear-mongering idiocy. You DON'T 'have' to have health insurance, as long as you don't mind forgoing emergency room treatment and that unbelievably stupid dumping of cash on those precious last couple days of life. Let me rot and die if I choose to not be within your system. I'm cool with that. Anything that forces an individual to pay a tax, in ANY way, shape, or form, should come with some indigenous 'opt-out' clause for those who dare to stay outside the system. I'd be happy if there was some public way to underwrite the entirety of safe drivers within the city...well outside the current usury-laden insurance system. It would seriously reduce the number of uncovered drivers...at some point people have to choose food, shelter, clothing OR these unfunded mandates served upon them. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 11016 Registered: 10-2003 |
Gannon has a very solid point. The fault does not lie entirely with the insurance companies. While I think their practices are despicable, they are allowed to operate in that environment due to the fact that the State allows it. The lack of checks and balances is appalling when you delve deeper into the topic. | ||
Fury13 Member Username: Fury13 Post Number: 3363 Registered: 10-2003 |
I think it's pretty damn classy of Steve to come on here, take the heat, and explain his viewpoints. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 11092 Registered: 12-2003 |
Heh, the State allowed it with legislation that I'd bet was largely WRITTEN by the Insurance Industry Lobbyists! (scum-sucking bottom-feeders, down to the last actuary!) Does anyone remember the loophole that allows wealthy individuals to self-insure?! Works with corporations and their fleets, too. All you had to do was pledge something like a quarter-million in assets to cover any potential accident...I would bet dollars to doughnuts that that figure was NOT indexed for inflation, so it should remain the same. I'd pool vehicles under some local Credit Union institution, then buy a policy through a Lloyd's of London to 'self-insure' them all! I don't need to own my car, but I do need to use it occasionally for long trips...and I cherish my independence as much as anyone. But, some serious re-thinking of the whole damn operation can and should be done. |
