The Derek Chauvin murder trial was the lead story across three major networks’ evening news broadcasts. Forty-five witnesses testified over a span of several weeks, a majority of them on behalf of the prosecution. Twelve jurors, with a variety of backgrounds, found Derek Chauvin guilty on three charges: second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Viewers rely on television news networks to stay up to date on breaking stories, in this case, Derek Chauvin’s trial. After weeks of reporting by the three networks, NBC and Lester Holt’s coverage of the trial stood out. He reports impartially, checking his political or social biases. Holt delivers information, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions. He previews the case succinctly and appeals to viewers to watch the correspondents’ reports to better understand the events.
Monday, March 29th, marked the start of the Chauvin trial. Holt used a captivating headline throughout the Trial: “George Floyd Death Trial.” Rather than highlight Chauvin’s name, as CBS and ABC did, NBC focused on the victim: Floyd. His death triggered protests around the world and encouraged people to fight for racial justice. History books will refer to George Floyd as being the catalyst for change.
Lester Holt opened the March 29th broadcast this way:
“Today, a Minnesota jury and millions of TV viewers relived the incredibly disturbing last minutes of George Floyd’s life. The uninterrupted video of him while under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer 10 months ago, shown today at the start of the televised murder trial…”
Rather than mention the officer’s name, Holt recognized Floyd as well as alerting viewers to the traumatic footage. By stating Chauvin’s name in the latter part of his opening statement Holt showed his respect for the victim and his family.
In just a few seconds, Holt involved the viewers, not leaving them as bystanders. On March 31st, he began with: “It is hard not to watch the video of George Floyd’s deadly encounter with police and not wonder what would I have done had I been a bystander and watching.” His comment reflected the difficulty of the situation, not his opinion.
This was Holt’s opening on April 20th:
“Former police officer Derek Chauvin walked out of a Minneapolis courtroom in handcuffs this afternoon, minutes after a jury convicted him of all counts of the death of George Floyd. Second-degree unintentional murder, guilty. Third-degree murder, guilty. Second-degree manslaughter, guilty. A world that witnessed video of Floyd’s death under the knee of that police officer today witnessing justice for Mr. Floyd.”
Holt’s tone and use of Floyd’s name SHOWED show his respect and compassion for George Floyd, his family and the Black community. Rather than refer to him as the victim he spoke as if Floyd were present, witnessing justice being served. Lester Holt’s reliable and unprejudiced presentation sympathized with the victim, the bystanders and the nation.
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