2015 Atlantic Journalism Awards Finalists
Attachments
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| Date Aired or Published | Dec. 19, 2015 |
| Media outlet where first aired or published: | The Canadian Press - published on multiple media sites simultaneously. |
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| Location: | Saint John, N.B. |
| List awards, grants: | |
| Running time (TV/Radio): | |
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Short explanation of the story and how it developed: The jury in the highly publicized and closely scrutinized murder trial of Dennis Oland had been out for three days already on Dec. 19, debating a verdict on a charge of second-degree murder for the death of Oland's father Richard. To observers, the verdict seemed a foregone conclusion - the Crown's case had revealed a litany of flaws with the police investigation and trial judge had all but told the jury in his instructions that not guilty was their only option. But mid-morning on that cold December Saturday, the jury returned a verdict of guilty for the well-known businessman's bludgeoning death. Although the verdict was a shock, reporter Kevin Bissett and the weekend team at the Atlantic bureau didn't hesitate - a preliminary story was on the wire within seconds and Kevin developed it from there, adding in the drama of Dennis Oland wailing and sobbing as the "guilty" verdict sunk in and his various supporters similarly weeping and reacting in shock.By mid-afternoon a comprehensive piece including comment from the police force, the Oland family and a recap of the trial highlights was on the wire and on websites across the country - a prime example of fast, detailed, accurate newsgathering. |
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Resources of the newsroom (money and time) available to complete the story: Kevin Bissett's hotel and food expenses were covered during his stay in Saint John. No special resources were required otherwise. |
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