Apr 27, 2006 — Franklin County District Attorney Derek Champagne says it's too late to file criminal charges against a Vermontville man videotaped while hitting and slapping his 15-year-old daughter. But Champagne says state and local officials are reviewing whether three children still living in the home of Joe and Lynn Nelson are receiving proper care. Last Friday, the ABC news magazine "Primetime" broadcast footage of the Nelson home that included scenes of physical and emotional violence. The footage aired as part of a documentary on stepfamilies struggling with children from separate marriages. The broadcast prompted a public outcry. As Brian Mann reports, it has also triggered a new debate over the ethics of journalism.

A warning: Some of the sounds in this story are violent and disturbing.  Go to full article

Apr 27, 2006 — For a deeper look at the ethics of journalism, NCPR contacted Kelly McBride, who writes about ethics at the Poynter Institute, one of the top journalism think tanks in America. McBride spoke with Brian Mann about the ethical gray zones that reporters sometimes navigate while pursuing complicated stories. McBride says journalists sometimes serve a greater good by acting as observers rather than active participants.  Go to full article

Apr 25, 2006 — Authorities are reviewing a possible case of child abuse in Franklin County that was captured on videotape by a news team with the ABC News program Primetime. The incident allegedly involved slapping, hitting, and spanking. It was recorded three years ago as part of a special report about stepfamilies. The Nelson family of Lynn and Joe Nelson allowed ABC News to install cameras in their home. The program aired last Friday and prompted an outcry from viewers. As Chris Knight reports, State Police in Ray Brook and the Franklin County District Attorney's Office are investigating.

NOTE: ABC News has removed the video footage of the alleged assault from their website.  Go to full article