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NBC Apologizes for Trayvon Martin Report

Apr 4, 2012  •  Post A Comment

NBC has apologized for a report in the Trayvon Martin shooting death, reports TheWrap.com. Specifically, the network apologized for its editing of a 911 call from the shooter, George Zimmerman, the story reports.

"During our investigation it became evident that there was an error made in the production process that we deeply regret," NBC said in a statement. "We will be taking the necessary steps to prevent this from happening in the future and apologize to our viewers."

As previously reported, a "Today" show report included an edited version of the 911 call placed by Zimmerman on the night he killed Florida teen Martin. The editing made it sound as if Zimmerman was using racial profiling.

In the report, Zimmerman was heard to say, "This guy looks like he’s up to no good. He looks black."

The actual call included this exchange:

Zimmerman: "This guy looks like he’s up to no good, or he’s on drugs or something. It’s raining and he’s just walking around, looking about."

911 Operator: "OK. And this guy, is he white, black or Hispanic?"

Zimmerman: "He looks black."

The "Today" segment aired March 27 and has come under fire from critics who say it inflamed racial tensions.

3 Comments

  1. I’m sure the editors thought they were doing their viewers a favor by telescoping what seemed obvious to the journalists, even if it likely misled the listeners into thinking Mr. Martin was being profiled for his appearance rather than his unusual behavior (looking about, not walking on pavement while it rained, etc.) We will never have hard evidence of his behavior, only the reports of Zimmerman. As long as Martin is portrayed in innocent photos rather than available less-angelic photos, most viewers will assume profiling. Zimmerman was stupid to approach him, I think we can agree.

  2. I agree with you Doug. I also think we can agree that because he did approach him and ended up dead while unarmed, that at the very least Zimmerman should have at least been charged with manslaughter. Not being charged is what the whole dust up is about. After all, in Sanford Fl., if the shooter was black, you know damn good and well that charges would have been filed.

  3. Under Florida law, no one can be convicted for defending themselves. But, yes, charge him anyway, and let him sue the city for wrongful prosecution.

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