Blog #6

        The breaking news of ATF letting guns walk is reported on in this newscast. John Dodson a federal agent describes his shocking testimony working on border patrol. The leading news anchor of the night asks him several questions that give viewers a distinct image on the corrupt border patrol assembly. The story then switches to Sharyl Attikisson the on-site reporter in Washington DC who provides more general information on the present events. As she elaborates on the details, surveillance is shown of boxes being carried that contain AK47s. An anonymous agent explains what is occurring in the video. After giving a brief commentary on the visual images portrayed on the screen, we are shown a document that explains several statistics including: the fact that there were nine hundred and fifty-eight people killed in March alone, in Mexico.  The document goes on to talk about ATF who is failing to monitor the guns entering Mexico, and is thus contributing to the “thousands of weapons hitting the streets” and increase in crime rate. The anchor continues to describe more crucial information, and wraps up the video with more questions for John Dodson, as well as the senator: Grassley.

          The video doesn’t include many sources, since the majority of the information is released by the anchor: Sharyl Attikisson, and the federal agent: John Dodson. A few individual commenter’s contribute to the newscast in a minor sense including: The anonymous agent who comments on the video shown, as well as Senator Grassley a representative of Iowa.  The video failed to mention where most of the information given came from, however, a lot can be accredited to the personal experience of Dodson. Additionally, all of the people who speak throughout the story have their name displayed on the screen with a sub-heading briefly explaining their role and credibility.

            The story was interesting, and thorough. The interview really contributed to the story, enhancing its credibility by giving a personal testimony of the events. A story is more believable if you have an eyewitness, versus if you are just researching and gathering facts. The background information the anchor provided was also beneficial and was just the right amount of information, when accompanied by the video surveillance. Therefore, the story was well balanced and intriguing. The only complaint I have is the lack of sources, as it causes viewers to become skeptical when a source is not provided (even for background information provided by an anchor as visuals are shown).