WDSU-TV News. 1959 Compilation
Summary: "The entry of WDSU-TV is a videotape of one hour's length and an accompanying
brochure with exhibits. The videotape represents highlights of four top stories covered during the year by the WDSU news staff, an editorial and an equal-time reply, and a special documentary program."--1959 Peabody Digest. Bill Monroe introduces the
compilation and describes each excerpt or program shown. [1] Coverage of the lynching
of accused rapist Mack Charles Parker, an African-American, in Poplarville, Miss.
Includes footage of Parker's funeral. Interviews with the sheriff and district attorney,
with Parker's cellmates, and with his mother at her home. [2] John Corporon reports from
Washington on the racketeering trial of Carlos Marcello; includes footage of the trial. [3]
Coverage of Governor Earl Long's mental health includes footage of press conferences,
legislative sessions, and Long struggling with police and being arrested. [4] Coverage of
plane crash in Gulf includes aerial views of floating bodies. "WDSU-TV Editorial": Bill
Monroe denounces findings of grand jury in Mack Charles Parker case.
"The Other Side": District Attorney Vernon Broom defends the grand jury and attacks
television for pro-black bias. "Campaign Trail '59: the candidates and the people": profiles
6 Democratic candidates for governor. Interviews with Marshall Brown, Jimmie Davis,
William Dodd, Chep Morrison, James Noe, and Sen. W.M. Rainach, and clips of their
campaign speeches.
Corporate Producers: WDSU
Persons Appearing: host: Bill Monroe | narrator: Alec Gifford (Campaign Trail '59) | reporters: John Corporon, Bob Fahs, Ed Planer, Bern Rotman | with: Earl Long, Marshall Brown, Jimmie Davis, William Dodd, Chep Morrison, James Noe, Senator W.M. Rainach
