Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and the Wisconsin Newspaper Association are collaborating to hold a webinar focusing on best practices for responsible media reporting when dealing with crime victims. The speakers presenting at the webinar will be Leigh Mills, Evening News Anchor for WMTV; Kim Goldman, Victim Rights Advocate and sister of OJ Simpson murder victim Ron Goldman; Ashley Lutheran, Deputy Investigations Editor for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; and Renee Williams, Executive Director at the National Center for Victims of Crime. The panel will be moderated by the State Director for Marsy’s Law Wisconsin, Nela Kalpic.
Among other topics, the webinar will focus on the recommendations from the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) guide for reporters that includes the best practices for interacting with victims, including how to protect survivors from unwanted attention and how to leverage their stories to yield positive results for the reporter and the survivor.
The session will also connect these practices to Wisconsin’s constitutional amendment for crime victims’ rights – known as Marsy’s Law – which guarantees rights such as privacy, notice, and participation in the justice process. Reporters will learn how to transfer victims’ stories into newsroom translations that both adequately protect the victims while providing the public with accurate reporting.
“Broadcasters play an essential role in shaping how our communities understand and respond to crime,” said Michelle Vetterkind, President of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. “By reporting responsibly and with empathy, we not only uphold journalistic integrity but also protect the dignity and privacy of survivors.”
“Print and digital journalists alike have a responsibility to report with accuracy,” said Beth Bennet, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. “When coverage is balanced and reflects respect for victims, it strengthens both public trust in the press and the pursuit of justice.”
“Ensuring the spirit of Marsy’s Law is upheld relies not only on our judicial system, but on those who observe and report on crimes,” said Nela Kalpic, State Director for Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin. “When journalists report with care, they help ensure survivors are treated with dignity while keeping the public accurately informed.”
The webinar will occur at Noon CST, Tuesday, Nov. 11 on Zoom. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5yvTkzYuQ0yzhwa1RdX4vA#/registration
Media Note: For media who wish to schedule an interview with a representative from Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin or receive additional information, please contact Alec Zimmerman at az@platform-communications.com.
