WTVT controversies

Monsanto and recombinant bovine growth hormone reporting dispute

WTVT reporters Steve Wilson and Jane Akre prepared an investigative series about Monsanto's recombinant bovine growth hormone. The station did not initially broadcast the proposed report, citing concerns about fairness and journalistic standards. The reporters alleged that management sought to suppress or distort the story after outside pressure, while WTVT disputed those allegations. Their contracts were not renewed, and the resulting whistleblower litigation produced a mixed jury outcome: the jury rejected Wilson's claims and found for Akre on one part of her complaint, awarding damages. The case became a frequently cited controversy concerning editorial control and alleged news distortion in television journalism.