Jacksonville, Alabama (WLJS) -- WLJS news anchor Ed Moore III announced Monday morning that a panel of professionals have been invited to discuss the topic of rape and sexual assault this Thursday during the 5 o'clock broadcast of his news program, "WLJS Newsroom."
This comes in response to the exclusive interview released last week with the president of Jacksonville State University’s Student Government Association regarding a young man who she says raped her during a 2012 summer outing with friends.
During the interview released September 15, Jade Alexis Wagner, 21 of Decatur, Alabama, told Moore that her assailant, who has been described as a man in his early 20’s, raped her inside a lake house near Lake Logan Martin on June 6 of last year during an outing with other friends from Jacksonville State University.
The online article produced by WLJS has received over 5,000 views since its release 8 days ago, while bringing about shock throughout the university from both students and faculty that Wagner came forward with such a revealing story.
Wagner’s public figure status on the campus of over 9,000 students has also no doubt contributed to the surprise.
"At this time, it is apparent to WLJS News that Jade Wagner's story has caught the attention of not only the Jacksonville State University community, but many parts of the northeast Alabama area at unprecedented levels," said Moore. "Her story on what she says happened to her at Lake Logan Martin last June has lit a fuse for conversation that people from across the region strongly feel need to take place. As representatives of the media, starting conversations is our responsibility and we take that responsibility seriously."
Moore’s weekly news program, which normally airs for only 30 minutes, will be extended to one hour for this panel based discussion, according to Moore.
"In response to Jade Wagner's interview, WLJS News will host a special broadcast discussing rape and sexual assault during the 5 o' clock broadcast of 'WLJS Newsroom' this Thursday afternoon. It will air for one hour with a panel of professionals that will include counselors who specialize in domestic and sexual violence awareness, law enforcement officials, as well as representatives from the Calhoun County District Attorney’s office."
The live conversation with the panel will begin around 5:10 P.M. after Moore's reporting of the week's top headlines from the region.
Northeast Alabama listeners may tune into 91.9 FM or online at www.wljsnews.weebly.com.
To access Wagner's exclusive interview with Moore, please click here: http://wljs919fmnewsjacksonvilleal.blogspot.com/2013/09/jacksonville-alabama-wljs-in-exclusive.html
For rape victims needing assistance, please call The Second Chance Domestic and Sexual Violence Assistance Hotline at 256-236-7233 or toll-free at 1-800-650-6522.
This report was made through WLJS News in Jacksonville, Alabama on 9/23/2013 at 11:59 AM
