One of the most powerful benefits of local TV news is as an advocate for consumers — exposing bad business practices, scams, rip-offs, deadbeat deals and government waste and corruption. No scam artist likes to see a local TV reporter with camera in tow at his place of business with documents and hard questions. On […]
One of the most powerful benefits of local TV news is as an advocate for consumers — exposing bad business practices, scams, rip-offs, deadbeat deals and government waste and corruption.
No scam artist likes to see a local TV reporter with camera in tow at his place of business with documents and hard questions.
On the other hand, viewers love seeing those “got-cha” moments where the reporter has the goods and the scam artists are left stammering.
But if you live in the country’s biggest city, and have a consumer issue you can’t resolve on your own, who can you turn to?
What chance do you have to be heard by a local TV station that will help you with your problem?
In New York, one station is pledging a response to every consumer phone call and email, and it formed a unit to handle the complaints.
WNBC’s Consumer Investigative Center is a team committed to answering every consumer question with a response in either English or Spanish for its viewers on the NBC O&O and its co-owned Telemundo affiliate WNJU.
The unit backs up WNBC’s consumer reporter, Lynda Baquero, and her investigative team, which since 2013 have recovered more than $700,000 for consumers.
How many complaints does the unit receive on average? How many lead to refunds?
How many end up being tips that lead to on-air stories? How has this commitment been received by viewers?
The answers to those questions, and more, soon.
Comments (0)
Reader Interactions