TV News Not Bastion Of Journalism

Dan Gross — are we all calling him “The Mighty” now? — has an interesting story about NBC 10’s Monique Braxton’s recent suspension:

Braxton, sources say, had been suspended for making calls and inquiries about the criminal case of Steve DiDonato, of Lower Salford Township, who happens to be the husband of NBC 10 Managing Editor Lisa Spinosa.

Last month a judge sentenced DiDonato, 47, to a probation-like program over charges that DiDonato set a fire in January 2006, outside a Lehigh Valley bar. The fire was set to distract police from the fact that he was about to get in his car and drive under the influence, Debbie Garlicki of the Allentown Morning Call reported. DiDonato was not arrested until seven months after the blaze, which he allegedly drove through.

But The Mighty Dan Gross also reports Braxton was paid during her suspension, and didn’t have to do any reporting. Which means it sounds more like a “vacation” to me.

NBC10 boss to Braxton: Don’t investigate my husband [Phillygossip]

Man Does What We All Want To Do To Local TV News

Common Please Judge Lisa Richette doesn’t quite have the best luck. Twenty years ago, she was hit by a purse snatcher. In 2005, she was punched on the street. About a year ago, she was attacked by a woman while sitting in her car.

And now, her son, 48-year-old Lawrence Richette, is charged with aggravated assault and related charges after allegedly punching her.

NBC 10 then went to Lawrence’s house:

When NBC 10 went to Lawrence Richette’s home Wednesday afternoon, he opened the door in a robe, asked if the cameras were rolling and flashed the reporter and photojournalist for a few seconds. He closed his robe and said, “That’s what I think of TV news.”

As you can see from the photo, he clearly is the person you fantasize most about seeing naked.

My advice to you is: Head to the NBC 10 slideshow, hit play, put your feet up, and enjoy the frame-by-frame deconstruction of the Great NBC 10 Flashing of 2007.

Phila. Judge Lisa Richette’s Son Charged with Assaulting Her; Later, He Flashes Reporter [KYW 1060]
Man Accused Of Beating Judge Mom Flashes NBC 10 [NBC 10]
Man Flashes NBC 10 After Assault Charges (Warning: Disturbing Images) [NBC 10]