Ep 5. Risk

Lou Grant season 5 episode 5, named "Risk," delves into the complexities and ethical dilemmas of investigative journalism.

The episode begins with Rossi, one of the reporters at the Los Angeles Tribune where Lou is the editor-in-chief, chasing a story about a wealthy businessman who has been accused of fraud. Rossi's sources claim that the businessman has been involved in some shady deals and has even swindled people out of their life savings. Rossi believes that he has enough evidence to run the story, but Lou is hesitant.

Lou is wary of the potential consequences of reporting such a story. He knows that the businessman in question has a lot of power and influence, and he worries that the Tribune might suffer financially if they publish the story. He also worries about the potential legal repercussions of the story, especially if they don't have enough evidence to support their claims.

Despite Lou's reservations, Rossi is determined to pursue the story. He believes that it's his duty as a journalist to expose wrongdoing, no matter the cost. As Rossi digs deeper, he uncovers even more evidence of the businessman's wrongdoing. He discovers that the businessman has been involved in some illegal activities, including bribery and embezzlement.

As Rossi continues to gather evidence, Lou becomes increasingly concerned about the potential fallout from the story. He worries that the Tribune might be sued for libel if they publish the story without enough proof. He also worries about the safety of the reporters involved, as the businessman has a reputation for being ruthless and vengeful.

Lou's concerns come to a head when he receives a threatening phone call from the businessman himself. The businessman warns Lou that he will do whatever it takes to protect his reputation, even if it means destroying the Tribune. Lou is shaken by the call and starts to doubt his own judgment.

Meanwhile, Rossi is convinced that they have enough evidence to run the story and he puts together a final draft. But just before they are about to publish, Lou receives a call from a source who claims that the evidence they have been using is fraudulent. This revelation throws everything into question, and Lou must decide whether to kill the story or to run it despite the new doubts.

The episode raises important questions about the role of journalism in society. Is it the responsibility of journalists to pursue stories, no matter the risk? Or do they have a duty to exercise caution, especially when the consequences of their reporting could be so damaging? The episode also highlights the importance of what is called editorial judgment, or the process by which editors decide what to publish and what not to publish in a newspaper or magazine.

Overall, Lou Grant season 5 episode 5 is a gripping tale of journalistic ethics and the high stakes involved in investigative reporting. It raises important questions about the responsibility of journalists in a free society, and it shows how difficult it can be to balance public interest with the safety of reporters and the financial health of a news organization.