PBS Frontline/Workshop collaborate on groundbreaking journalism

By: Meera Pal

Posted: June 16, 2010 | Tags: airline maintenance, Charles Lewis, Flying Cheap, Frontline, PBS

This is probably one of the most challenging and exciting times in the recent history of journalism.

While news organizations continue to struggle to find a sustainable business model, new investigative journalism organizations are popping up all over the country, creating some of the most interesting and groundbreaking journalism.

Our parnterhsip with PBS Frontline produced the documentary "Flying Cheap," which premiered in February and was recently re-broadcast. The investigation looks at a growing trend in the airline industry: major airlines using regional airlines to help keep fares low, but failing to oversee regional airlines' safety, maintenance and training.

The video below was taken at a special screening of "Flying Cheap" at American University's School of Communication. It features Workshop Executive Editor Charles Lewis, School of Communication Dean Larry Kirkman, Frontline Executive Producer David Fanning, journalist Miles O'Brien, "Flying Cheap" Director Rick Young and Michael Sullivan, executive producer for special projects at Frontline.

The group discusses the production of "Flying Cheap," as well as the exciting world of collaborative journalism.

"There's a big world out there and it needs to be investigated," Lewis said.