Quick Hits and Deep Dives: Consumer Investigations Any Newsroom Can Do

Rich or poor, red or blue – everyone is a consumer. In this practical, ideas-filled session, veteran Chicago consumer reporters Stephanie Zimmermann of the Chicago Sun-Times and Jason Knowles of ABC7Chicago offer up easy as well as more difficult versions of consumer stories that you can replicate in your market. They’ll also explain how to set up consumer coverage for your newsroom even if you don’t have a dedicated consumer beat reporter.

About the Speakers

Stephanie Zimmermann is an award-winning investigative journalist who focuses on consumer issues, defined broadly to include credit and debt, insurance, food, housing, health, transportation, technology, unsafe products, scams/frauds and other issues that affect everyday people. She also has reported extensively on the intersection of mental health and the criminal legal system. Before joining the Sun-Times, Stephanie worked for the ABC News Investigative Unit and at news outlets in Florida and Illinois.

Jason Knowles first came to ABC 7 in 2004 as a special projects producer, where he tracked down exclusive stories for the 10 PM News.  He was promoted to General Assignment reporter from 2009 until 2014. Since he began his work as the station's Consumer Investigative Reporter in 2014, he's exposed dozens of alleged con-artists on camera and recovered thousands of dollars for consumers who say they were wronged by large companies and local businesses. He's also uncovered potential Red Light Camera Traps, Real Estate Scams and problems with toxic Lead Paint and Lead Water in our community. Knowles has also earned a reputation for navigating the latest consumer trends and warning people of problems associated with social media and technology.