Las Vegas Review-Journal Reporter Antonio Planas: On Writing a Murder Mystery

Las Vegas Review-Journal crime reporter Antonio Planas talks about a major "murder mystery" article he wrote for the newspaper. The piece, which was a year in the making before it was published on page A1 Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, focuses on murder suspect Greg Wallen Jr. While he's facing trial for the cold case murder of a young girl in Las Vegas, a mother in neighboring California believes he's also linked to an even colder case -- the unsolved death of her daughter in 1985, when Wallen was only 12 years old. Planas talks to NAHJ Nevada's Michelle Rindels about the in-depth piece, and what it means to him and his career.

Member of the Week: Michelle Rindels

1. Where do you currently work and what's your role there?

I work for the Associated Press bureau in Las Vegas. My title is breaking news staffer; I show up to work at 6 a.m. and spend the day writing short stories (think briefs or readers for broadcasters) about whatever’s going on in Nevada and Utah. If the story requires a lot more reporting, I hand it off to my co-workers in Vegas, Carson City, Reno or Salt Lake City. But I feel like my most important role is helping set the agenda for the day. I spend the first part of my shift scouring news outlets in both states and sorting out the important stuff that has broader implications and impact, from the stuff our small staff can skip. I pitch those stories to my supervisors, and I feel I’ve accomplished my purpose when they take my suggestions and the rest of the staff can start their day reporting without getting bogged down in trivial things.

2. When did you come to Las Vegas? Where were you before? Where did you go to school?

I came to Las Vegas in July 2011 after spending a few months covering the Nevada Legislature for the AP and before that, working for a newspaper in a small town in northern California. I went to school at Biola University, a small, private Christian college about 15 minutes from Disneyland.

3. What's your dream job or big career goal? I’d love to stay with the AP, wherever that might take me, and be an expert on my beat. I love reporting on cross-cultural issues, religion and the economy. 

4. Tell us a little about your ethnic background. My last name is German, and I’m also Swedish, English, Czechoslovakian, etc. (some would call this a “European mutt,” but I think that term does a disservice to how unique each of those different European ethnic roots are). I’m also a quarter Mexican. My grandma is from the D.F. and immigrated to the U.S. when she married my American grandpa at age 28. Spanish was my mom’s first language, and while she didn’t teach it to us as much I wish she had, my brothers and I have always known the full range of “tu” commands: “parate!” “sientate” “callate!” From a young age, I longed to understand the secret language my grandma and mom spoke amongst themselves. I started studying Spanish with a computer program at 10 or 11, took all the classes I could in high school, majored in Spanish in college (along with journalism), and studied abroad in Costa Rica. Probably because of my amazing abuelita, Spanish has always been the language of love to me, and the Hispanic culture has always felt like home.

5. What inspired you to become a journalist or public relations professional? I think it was a coloring contest. My hometown newspaper, The Manteca Bulletin, published kids’ art every Sunday and gave prizes for the best drawings. I was a prolific contributor because I loved to draw and loved the prizes I’d get. But the contest ended up hooking me to newspapers overall. I started with the kids’ page and by looking through the colorful ads that came every Sunday, but progressed to the real stories and started reading the paper every day as a third grader. The people behind the familiar bylines were my heroes. I considered other careers growing up, but realized I wanted to pursue journalism when I became a senior in high school and worked on the school paper. I think I was inspired by how powerful the media can be -- how it brings hidden things to light and can stir entire communities to action.

6. What is the most difficult story you've had to cover? What did you learn from the experience? I think politics in general can be difficult to cover. You must constantly keep your guard up to ensure you’re not being “used” as a tool by some campaign, and you’ve got to keep your personal biases at bay. Covering the Legislature, you have to be shrewd -- hold people accountable, not let them get away with vagueness or half-truths, understand the many motivations that play into every vote. It’s not easy, especially for people with personalities like mine, but I think one thing that keeps you on track is understanding that you’re an advocate for the public and you can only serve them best if you extract the truth from powerful people.

7. Of all the stories you've covered, which is your favorite and why? Shortly after Michael Jackson’s death, I did a story about all the Jackson impersonators that suddenly cropped up in Las Vegas. It was fun to capture that very Vegas-ish mix of sincere love for the King of Pop and opportunism. This story also stands out because one of the Michael Jackson impersonators tried to ask me out, in full costume!

8. If you could interview any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why? I recently read a book about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who joined the resistance against Hitler during World War II and ended up being executed for doing what he knew was right. I was so struck by his courage and his ability to stand up to all his “reasonable” compatriots who didn’t want to rock the boat by challenging the dictator. I hope that I could be someone who’s able to recognize the right thing to do even when there are vast tides going in the opposite direction.

9. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing journalism or PR today? With smaller staffs, it’s becoming harder to investigate the things that need investigating. We’re stretched so thin and rely a lot on news releases, making the industry more vulnerable to the “spin” people are pitching. It’s critical that journalism finds ways to be economically viable, so we can get more people out there holding people accountable.

10. Why did you join NAHJ Nevada and what do you hope to get out of it? I was invited to NAHJ by my former AP co-worker, Cristina Silva. At first I didn’t see the point in joining, but after six months, I realize what an incredible community of journalists it has fostered. I love the camaraderie we have, and I’m excited to see how we can help cultivate the next generation of journalists that’s passionate about smart, sensitive coverage of our diverse community. 

11. If you were going to introduce us to the most important people in your life, who would they be? I’d want you to meet my incredible immediate family, including my two brothers (I’m the middle child of three). But I really want you to meet my adorable grandma, who’s the most loving, generous, witty 84-year-old you’ll ever know. She’s all the more cute because she’s 4 feet 10 inches tall, has a thick Mexican accent, and named her walker “Charlie.”

12. Tell us a fun fact we probably don't know about you. The name of the town I grew up in is Spanish for “lard.”

PIO-Journalist Social at the Springs Preserve

NAHJ-Nevada wants to send a big thank all those who joined us for a PIO-journalist social at the Springs Preserve Monday, Sept. 24. Nearly 40 people came for an evening of networking and discussing how public agency spokespeople and journalists can work together more effectively.

Attendees included PIOs from

- Clark County

- City of Las Vegas

- North Las Vegas Fire Department 

- Mesquite Police

- Nevada Highway Patrol

- Nevada Department of Corrections

- Nevada Department of Transportation

- Clark County School District

- UNLV

- Bureau of Reclamation

- Southern Nevada Water District

... and reporters from 

- KTNV Channel 13

- KSNV Channel 3

- Univision Channel 15

- Las Vegas Review-Journal

- El Tiempo newspaper

- El Mundo newspaper

- Associated Press

We hope to to host similar mixers in the future. If you couldn't come this time, we hope to see you at our next event! For updates and group news, please follow us on Twitter (@NAHJNevada) or like us on Facebook.

Recap: Informational Meeting at Univision Nevada Studio

By Luz Gray

Our informational meeting at the Noticias Univision Nevada studios on Sept. 10 was a great experience. We not only had the opportunity to meet more colleagues, but also exchanged ideas that no doubt will help consolidate our group little by little.

Michelle Rindels, NAHJ - Nevada President and an Associated Press reporter, introduced our leadership team, talked about the general purpose of the national organization, the history of Nevada chapter, and our goals and plans for future events. She also explained about the role of Marco Villarreal, our secretary/ treasurer and reporter for Channel 13 Action News.

Annette Raveneau, our publicity coordinator and communications director at Know Your Care Nevada, spoke about our founder, Associated Press reporter Cristina Silva. She recapped “The Language of Immigration” panel we hosted a few months ago at the Mexican Consulate and  the “Night at the Museum” with Jon Ralston event we had at the Hispanic Museum of Nevada in the Boulevard Mall on July.

Noticias Univision Nevada Reporter and NAHJ Graphic Designer Eden Soto Alva shared some details about the UNITY convention held at Mandalay Bay resort in August.

One of our more exciting upcoming events is a PIO-Journalist Social we will have on Sept. 24 at Springs Preserve. Michelle Booth, our recruitment officer and a PR associate at Ramirez Group, explained how important it is for us to host this type of event, since it's the first time in recent memory something like this has happened in Las Vegas.

“We are taking advantage of Facebook and Twitter. Our community needs to know who we are what we do and a little bit more of who is behind those stories they read, see or listen to,” said Journalist Luz Gray, who handles NAHJ - Nevada's social media and is production manager at Univision Radio Las Vegas.

Our vice president and El Tiempo Editor Hernando Amaya detailed the process of how to join our national organization, reviewed the types of memberships and emphasized the importance of being part of our local group.

Everybody contributed ideas and suggestions for the future of NAHJ - Nevada during our informational meeting. Most importantly, we all agreed on the importance of encouraging our colleagues in Spanish media to join our group.

It's very easy to become a member, and the national organization has temporarily reduced the price of joining to $50 per year (it was $75). Sign up today:

1. Go to  http://nahj.org/

2. Click on the words "Join/Renew"

3. Click "Create Account" and follow the directions.

Member of the Week

Marco Villarreal

1. Where do you currently work and what's your role there?

I am a reporter at Channel 13 Action News KTNV.

2. When did you come to Las Vegas? Where were you before? Where did you go to school?

I came to Las Vegas in February of 2010. I moved here from the state capitol of Florida, Tallahassee. I studied Broadcast Journalism at Brigham Young University.

3. What's your dream job or big career goal?

I suppose ultimately I would like to one day work for a network. I know that sounds cliché, but I feel that is one of the few places that still allow for journalists to travel the world, tell new and exciting stories, and document history. I would like to know that I can play with the “big boys.” I would like to end up in a community that allows me to tell their stories and serve them.

4. Tell us a little about your ethnic background.

I grew up in a home diverse in culture. My dad was from Argentina, and my mom from Mexico. I also grew up in the USA. I like to say that I am half Argentine, half Mexican, and 100% All American! Thanksgiving was fun at my house. Usually on our table we had the traditional turkey and stuffing, along with tortillas, frijoles, arroz, and for dessert pan dulce con un mate cocido. (hot Argentine herbal type tea)

5. What inspired you to become a journalist?

Growing up there was two truths in my house; the scriptures and the news. My mother always taught us to believe in God and listen to the weather forecaster. The news was always on with Jorge Ramos taking us on a trip around the world, showing us pictures and introducing us to people I would never meet. The only time the news was not on was Saturday, but that’s because we were all watching Don Francisco! When I was in college someone mentioned that Spanish language media was the only market still growing strong. I wanted to use my Spanish and for the first time thought that I might do what I had seen so many reporters do growing up. I began studying that profession, enjoyed it, and it turned out I was decent at something for the first time in my life besides goofing off!

6. What is the most difficult story you've had to cover? What did you learn from the experience?

I think the toughest story I have had to cover is the economy here in Las Vegas. I never realized how bad the recession hit until I moved here. For the first six months I felt so guilty when I spoke with families losing their homes because mom and dad couldn’t find a job. I truly thought I had taken the last job in Southern Nevada. I have had to do stories that break down why the banks won’t do more to help people losing their homes. I have had to talk to people who learned the hard way the consequences that come from living outside your means, and others who did nothing wrong; they were just a casualty of a bad economy. I never saw Las Vegas in all it’s glory 5to 7 years ago when “everything people touched turned to gold.” I’m glad I didn’t. I think it would have made it even harder to see the suffering in our community.

7. Of all the stories you've covered, which is your favorite and why?

I think one of my favorite stories is that of Rosie the Riveter here in Las Vegas. I met a lady who sews blankets for a local charity. She spends hours putting these blankets together so that other’s in her community can have something that was made with love. This woman is close to 90-years-old and says she got her spirit of service from her time as a Rosie the Riveter. She used to work in a factory that put planes together during World War II. Ever since then she volunteered her time at hospitals, and to her local community. Even at her age she had more energy, spirit, and positivity than anyone I’ve ever met. After our interview with her she made sure my photographer and I did not leave with out giving her a hug and leaving with some of her homemade jam.

8. If you could interview any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I plead the 5^th on this one. Like I explained above, sometimes the best interviews come from the people you least expect and are often overlooked.

9. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing journalism or PR today?

Sensationalism and close mindedness. We live in a world where we all fight to capture the attention of viewers and readers. By hoping to shock people and grab their attention, we lose those who are focused and waiting for knowledge of the world around them. By going after the outrageous stories or people, the scandals and crimes, we forget to bring people the information they need to shape the community they live in. I also believe we live in a time where people don’t want to hear the facts and make up their minds. People have already made up their minds and only want to hear what appeases them. I think it is sad when we tell people what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear.

10. Why did you join NAHJ Nevada and what do you hope to get out of it? I enjoy NAHJ because it allows me to communicate with other journalists and media professionals. It’s good for morale, for networking, and for the delicious food and music that is prevalent at many of our meetings!

11. If you were going to introduce us to the most important people in your life, who would they be?

My family. I would not be where I am without their support and love. Oh, and my dog Jimmer. He always wants to meet new people. J

12. Tell us a fun fact we probably don't know about you.

I am a Grammy Award winner…sort of. My senior year of high school the choir I was in won a Grammy. That counts right?

Breakfast at Hash House A Go Go

At our breakfast meeting at Hash House A Go Go, we made plans for our PIO/Journalist Social on Sept. 24, and started the wheels turning for a new project -- a political candidates' forum focused on issues important to the Hispanic community. Stay tuned as we hammer out the details!

Happy Hour at Ra Sushi

On Friday, Aug. 17, we got together for happy hour at Ra Sushi in the Fashion Show Mall. We started planning for our next event -- a PIO and journalist social on Sept. 25 -- and discussed the overarching goals for the group.

Here's our list of objectives for the club. It's a work in progress, so let us know in the comments if you think something should be added, changed or subtracted.

NAHJ Nevada Goals:

• Build positive relationships and lifelong friendships among the press corps
• Strengthen the ties between the press, public relations professionals, and Hispanic community leaders so our coverage will be more complete
• Promote development of technical journalistic skills through workshops, conferences, and mentorships. Help facilitate this growth with scholarships and fellowships.
• Advance the careers of our members by promoting their work and publicizing job opportunities. Advance diverse hires by connecting with employers.
• Identifying and addressing issues inherent in English and Spanish media outlets (ethics, stereotypes, quality control)