6:22 PM Tue, Mar 21, 2006 | Permalink
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At noon today we learned that the Stivers family was found after spending three weeks in the deep snow of the Oregon mountains.
We immediately sent reporter Pat Dooris, photographer Jon Gudgel and satellite truck operator Dan Dugan to Glendale to cover the story. Our quick action paid off because we were the only Portland television station there live during the 5 p.m. news for the emotional family reunion. Mom and Dad Stivers did not want to talk to reporters, but grandpa gave Pat Dooris a compelling live interview off the top of the newscast.
We sent a second crew - reporter Jack Penning, photographer Alex Lynch and satellite truck operator John Waikart - to Ashland to get family and community reaction in the family's home town. As we speak, we are planning to have both Jack and Pat live with their respective stories during our 10 p.m. newscast on WB and our 11 p.m. newscast on Northwest NewsChannel 8. Stay tuned tonight for the best coverage of this compelling story of survival.
When breaking news happens, minutes count. That was demonstrated today. Even a few minutes of delay in sending a news crew could have made the difference between us being there live for the reunion or missing it. I'm glad we moved so fast because you, our viewers and web users, got to see this wonderful story unfold live.
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