Reporters' Show - February 29, 1980
Louisiana: The State We're In
Details
Collection:LPB
Genre: Newsmagazine
Place Covered: Louisiana
Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority
Date Issued: 1980-02-29
Duration: 00:28:37
Subjects: Filmed panel discussions | Journalists | SCANDALS | Political corruption | United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation | Edwards, Edwin W. | Roemer, Charles, E., II, 1923-2012 | Hauser, Joseph | MARCELLO, CARLOS | LAMBERT, LOUIS | Treen, David C., 1928-2009 | Freeman, Robert L., 1934- | MOUTON, EDGAR G. "SONNY" | Fitzmorris, James E. (James Edward), 1921- | Brilab scandal | Campaign Finance | Politics
Contributors:
- George, Beth Host
- Fourrier, Clay Photographer
- Irving, John Photographer
- L'Herisson, Sandra Photographer
- Blome, Ron Reporter
- Blome, Ron Editor
- Gates, Bob Producer
- George, Beth Producer
- Fuglaar, Bill Director
- Courtney, Bob Panelist
- Lynch, Bill Panelist
- Hill, John Panelist
Description
This episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” from February 29, 1980, features Beth George leading a panel discussion with three capitol reporters: Bob Courtney of WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge; Bill Lynch of the New Orleans Times-Picayune; and John Hill of Gannett News Service. They discuss the Bri-Lab investigation, an FBI undercover operation aimed at exposing an insurance kickback scheme, including: their surprise at the story and why it was initially reported by the Los Angeles Times; Governor Edwin Edwards as the main focus of attention by the grand jury; Commissioner of Administration Charles Roemer admitting to meeting with FBI informant Joseph Hauser in a hotel room; political candidates making promises in exchange for campaign contributions; the large number of leaks by targets of the investigation; the possibility of tapes featuring New Orleans mafia leader Carlos Marcello talking to multiple state officials; the effect of the investigation on Governor-Elect Dave Treen’s new administration; the officials who have spoken to the grand jury, including Lieutenant Governor-Elect Bobby Freeman, Public Service Commission Chairman Louis Lambert, State Senator Sonny Mouton and Lieutenant Governor Jimmy Fitzmorris; the effect of the investigations on the final weeks of the Edwards administration; and the implications of Commissioner Roemer not being called before the grand jury.