Newsroom Under Fire: Reporter's Memoir Exposes Fault Lines During George Floyd Riots

Created: JANUARY 21, 2025

A former KSTP-TV reporter, Crystal Bui, has ignited controversy with a new memoir detailing her experiences covering the tumultuous George Floyd riots in Minneapolis. Bui's book, "More to Tell," paints a stark picture of the chaos and danger she faced while reporting on the unrest, and also levels accusations against her former newsroom.

The memoir, released in March, recounts Bui's journey from a seasoned reporter numbed by the constant exposure to death to a journalist deeply affected by the events surrounding Floyd's murder. According to the book's Amazon summary, Bui's coverage involved navigating dangerous situations, including dodging tear gas and rubber bullets, while simultaneously battling what she describes as systemic sexism and racism within her supposedly 'progressive' newsroom.

Protestor amidst George Floyd riots

The image above depicts a protestor standing near a burning vehicle during the demonstrations following George Floyd's death. The intensity of the scene underscores the challenging environment Bui and other reporters faced during that period.

Bui's critique of her former employer, KSTP, has garnered attention. The StarTribune quoted excerpts from "More to Tell" where Bui criticizes the station's alleged lack of investment in security measures for its reporters, contrasting it with other news outlets. She reportedly even contemplated feigning a medical emergency to escape the dangerous conditions. Bui also alleges that management prioritized ratings over reporter safety, using coded language to encourage reporters to get closer to dangerous situations.

Aftermath of George Floyd Protests: Burning Family Dollar Store

This image captures the destruction left in the wake of the protests, with a Family Dollar store engulfed in flames. It serves as a visual reminder of the widespread unrest that gripped Minneapolis.

KSTP news director Kirk Varner acknowledged awareness of Bui’s book but refrained from addressing the specific personnel issues raised. He stated that KSTP prioritizes safety and a positive work environment and claimed no knowledge of formal complaints filed by Bui during her time at the station. Fox News Digital has contacted KTSP-TV for further comment.

Comments(0)

Top Comments

Comment Form