Jon Burkett: The Crime Insider

Today’s guest is Jon Burkett, also known as the Crime Insider on Richmond’s local CBS affiliate, WTVR. Jon’s been with WTVR for almost 21 years. He got his start in broadcasting while he was in the Navy, and worked briefly in Baltimore as a broadcaster. Jon was born in Chesterfield and considers the Richmond area his home. I met Jon while I was a Homicide detective in Richmond and we’ve remained in touch even after I retired. I asked Jon to come on the podcast because he talks to people in and around Richmond, and more importantly, people talk to him because they trust him. I’ve mentioned issues I have with the media in previous podcasts, but said not all media. I choose not to paint anyone, nor any profession with a broad brush. Jon represents the kind of media I think we all want and deserve: fair, impartial and trustworthy. Check out the book Jon co-authored, Bearing Witness to Evil. Its available on all the usual platforms, but Jon would PREFER you check it out at bearingwitnesstoevil.comBefore I begin the interview, I want to let you know that I recorded Jon while he was on the phone, so the audio quality of his voice SOUNDS like he’s on the phone while my voice sounds clearer, and his portion is NOT in stereo so that I can cut down on the background static. I’ll be experimenting with different programs, equipment etc as time goes by, so bear with me. I’ll also be doing in-person interviews in the future as well, so that will improve the audio quality. PLUS........an alarm sounds midway through the interview which was my timer to remember to call Jon! As I've mentioned, these aren't scripted and stuff happens. Roll with the rawness.