Special Programming
Winner of an Emmy Award for reporting on politics and government, this half-hour special featured Phil’s investigation into the controversial practice of civil asset forfeiture.
It was an issue that united political opponents but divided one-time political allies. This special report explores what the issue is, how it developed and why some people say it needs to change.
This Emmy-nominated special report began with a viewer’s concern. What seemed like an abnormally large number of people in one small community were getting sick, some getting identical forms of rare cancers. Phil began digging and found records indicating the water source for the town was contaminated with Chromium and at one point in the not-so-distant past, Uranium. Phil’s investigation took him across the country looking for examples of Chromium contamination and speaking with the experts who say Oklahoma’s water source could be at risk. This special was nominated for an Emmy award. This special features two stories Phil edited himself.
As Oklahoma prepared for a new year and a new administration, the issue of the death penalty is lurking in the background. The state has promised to be the first in the union to execute prisoners using inert gas as public opinion is moving against capital punishment. What does it all mean?
This Emmy-nominated special report explores how the current self-imposed moratorium started, what the victims of the state’s most horrific crimes think, what religious leaders believe and what the science says about the debate over death.
Feature Reporting
Easily one of the most moving and memorable pieces Phil has worked on. Feature reporting gives Phil a break from the serious nature of covering crimes, corruption and political intrigue. This story offered even more, by showcasing a local musician’s project to show people that no matter how broken they are, no person is not able to be used.
Phil covered the tragic death of Kelley Chase during his training to be a police officer. As he continued to work on the story he worked to make sure the city paid the insurance benefits that were being withheld and later was there when Chase’s widow was able to meet the man who is keeping her husband’s heart beating.
Investigative Reporting
A viewer emailed Fox 25 asking for help, his former boss and a current state legislator had left him a voicemail that had him very concerned. After listening to the voicemail, Phil started his own investigation.
This report put Phil face-to-face with his fear of snakes. Going undercover at local reptile shows he found people willing to sell venomous snakes and other dangerous exotic reptiles, no questions asked. Phil takes viewers along into the dangerous world of illegal reptile sales that are happening around Oklahoma.
It is a serious problem…an invasion into Oklahoma that has farmers and ranchers declaring war. However, it is a war the state is not winning.
This investigation began with an anonymous phone call presenting a prediction about back-door deals at the state capitol that could dramatically cut the budget of the state’s environmental regulatory agency. Phil’s investigation uncovered records that detailed a relationship between an agency staffer and a state lawmaker.
