APM Reports: In the Dark

Series produced by American Public Media

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In the Dark examines how law enforcement handled the kidnapping of Jacob Wetterling, an 11-year-old Minnesota boy – a case that went unsolved for nearly 27 years. Unlike other true crime programs, In the Dark goes beyond the horror of the story to reveal the sweeping consequences of the case: the creation of the federal sex offender registry; a community damaged by law enforcement mistakes; the devastating effects of publicly labeling a man a “person of interest.” Moreover, the reporting introduces data that will enlighten communities nationwide about their local crime solving.

NOTE: A content advisory precedes programs 1, 2 and 3. Listeners will hear the following: “ And, just a word of warning before we start. This program contains material that some listeners may find disturbing.”

Here are the specific details:

Program 1 contains a description of the kidnapping of an 11-year-old boy, who was abducted by a stranger while he and two other boys were biking home at night in a small town. It is not graphic but it is suspenseful and some listeners may find it upsetting.
Program 2 contains a reporter’s description of the confession of the man who kidnapped, sexually assaulted and killed the boy, including details of the assault that some listeners may find upsetting.
Program 3 tells the story of another boy who was abducted and sexually assaulted by the same man. There are no graphic details, but some listeners will find the subject matter itself disturbing.

--The potentially disturbing parts are in the first half of each program.

When does a cold case become a failed investigation? APM Reports has an exciting opportunity for stations – a series of five, hour-long radio programs based on its popular investigative podcast, In the Dark, and the on-air and digital assets to promote it. Best yet, In the Dark is available at no charge to APM stations.

With more than 3.5 million downloads since its launch in September, In the Dark has been well received by audiences and critics alike. The Guardian calls In the Dark "gripping." Columbia Journalism Review believes it "exhibits the very best of audio storytelling: detailed reporting, slick production, and a suspenseful narrative." We think your listeners will agree, so we've created this package just for radio audiences.

Available November 14, this exclusive radio package consists of five, hour-long programs. Each features one episode of the podcast, followed by a discussion with APM Reports' investigative reporter Madeleine Baran and APM Reports' producer Samara Freemark, hosted by Marketplace Weekend's Lizzie O'Leary:
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NOTE: A content advisory precedes programs 1, 2 and 3. Listeners will hear the following: “ And, just a word of warning before we start. This program contains material that some listeners may find disturbing.” Here are the specific details:Program 1 contains a description of the kidnapping of an 11-year-old boy, who was abducted by a stranger while he and two other boys were biking home at night in a small town. It is not graphic but it is suspenseful and some listeners may find it upsetting. Program 2 contains a reporter’s description of the confession of the man who kidnapped, sexually assaulted and killed the boy, including details of the assault that some listeners may find upsetting. Program 3 tells the story of another boy who was abducted and sexually assaulted by the... Show full description


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