What exactly does Amy Jacobson have?

[matt]

Right after she was fired it was said that through her investigative means she had gotten some stuff that, I don't remember how it was said, but would be shocking or something.

I guess she owns the rights to it personally and will use it thru her next employer. I know she was highly paid and most likely doesn't need to stoop to selling it to the trashloids (and she realizes whatit would do to her professional reputation).

But, ever since hearing that I have wondered "WHAT IS IT THAT SHE HAS?"

And in her communication with PPD - have they asked her to sit on it?

And now that I think about it..........why am I asking this question?

[SeriouslySearching]

If Amy had anything of real value...there would have already been a Grand Jury seated or an arrest.

[Mysticchic]

If it was taped during her employment at NBC (WMAQ) they own the rights to the tape. If Amy was a good reporter and really cared about the victims she would and should have turned it into the police.

[AZ News Watcher]

If it was taped during her employment at NBC (WMAQ) they own the rights to the tape. If Amy was a good reporter and really cared about the victims she would and should have turned it into the police.

Mystic Chic - it is common (published) knowledge that while Craig Stebic agreed to speak with Amy J, several times.....he would not (on the advice of his attorney Dion Davi) allow the photojournalist, often accompanying her, to roll (tape) on the discussions.
So WMAQ NBC5 owns nothing save for their previously aired reports, raw footage of interviews and notes filed by Amy.
In my business, Investigative Journalists are not required to tape, take hard notes or audio record any part of their research unless they wish to.
It is only when they get everything lined up properly, for that all-important interview, do they bring in the cameras/phone recorders/undercover lipstick cams-in-bags, etc.

It was strictly up to Amy's discretion as to when & if to do this, in any of the stories she was assigned to cover, as an Investigative Reporter.

And who is to say that she did not provide the more salient pieces of those un-recorded discussions to the PPD/FBI, if she felt that it might give them a better insight into Lisa's whereabouts?

It was noted in the Chicago Tribune that Amy had, indeed, mentioned a few insights to the PPD just prior to her Live Shots for WMAQ-NBC5, which she felt might help them in their investigation.
She put forth, in one interview, that there is an important supportive, inter-relationship (as far as she was concerned) between LE and the Media, when trying to solve a possible crime.

Especially one as excruciating as Lisa's.

Many journalists disagree with her (see Eric Zorn's editorial columns).. but, then again, those folks weren't ever in the Stebic's Plainfield home - looking directly into Lisa's childrens eyes.

The question I would like you all to ask yourselves, quietly, is that if you (being a parent of your own children) see two motherless children in obvious pain...and you alone had an opportunity to try to help them, as well as cover both sides of the story....what would you do?

I pointed out before ( in another posting - which has since been removed by the Admin) that Amy was there that Friday at the direct invitation of Craig's sister - Jill - and her family (complete with young children) to get to know them...and their side of the story.
Their departure for their home in Iowa was imminent....a slim window.
Now, you would think that Lisa's family might not approve of this visit...but you would be wrong.

Anything which will help end this agony was and is welcome.

The edited reporter package from CBS2 portrayed an erroneous visual.
This was a meeting of two women with small children, on a swelteringly hot day, concerning a mysterious disappearance of a young mother ...and had very little to do with directly interviewing (or gathering information from) Craig Stebic, himself.

But people didn't want to see or know of the truth of this situation...the worldwide media frenzy (starting with the CBS2 newsroom) wanted to assign/project a more prurient image of this working play-date.
There was no "pool party"...in the normal terms, as we all know them.
This was a impromptu visit, requested by Craig's family, at the last minute - on Amy's day off.
Her young children see the pool, they are all in bathing suits anyway (since Amy & her kids - both under the age of 4 - were on their way to their private club) and they beg to get into the pool, to cool off prior to having a bite to eat before the women have a chance to sit down and talk.
Meanwhile, the CBS2 crew cruises into the neighborhood (attempting to get a SOT from Craig, as to if he is planning to attend the next day's search in Silver Springs State Park but are denied access to the property) recognize Amy's vehicle...and proceeds to stakeout the Stebic home....filming the backyard pool area utilizing a professional Betacam, mounted on a large tripod, upfitted with an Extender (this is what we call special Zoom attachment, in TV News photography), undercover, via a neighbors living room window.
(This neighbor, btw, was also a totally innocent bystander in this situation - believing they were helping to solve Lisa's disappearance, according to the CBS2 crew).

There's more to the story of the airing of the video-tape...but as you can see on the CBS2 website...the management was pressured (by the public outcry) into showing the entire 6 minutes of the unedited videotape, admit that the tape was shot professionally by their own crew (it did NOT just "fall into their laps", btw) and defend their decision to air a strictly sensationalistic story, intended to discredit their competition (during a Nielsen Ratings Book/July Sweeps period).
Although they registered a record amount of hits to their website in the initial days of the airing of the story...their overall numbers for their 10pm (the most revenue-rich newscast of any television station) dropped precipitously for the July Book (by approx. one-third).

So, in light of all of this loss...on the part of everyone involved....
Now that all is perceived in retrospect...what good did this do, for anyone..and especially for Lisa and her children?

Lives, Careers, Trusts ruined...and for what ?!

[Mysticchic]

Mystic Chic - it is common (published) knowledge that while Craig Stebic agreed to speak with Amy J, several times.....he would not (on the advice of his attorney Dion Davi) allow the photojournalist, often accompanying her, to roll (tape) on the discussions.
So WMAQ NBC5 owns nothing save for their previously aired reports, raw footage of interviews and notes filed by Amy.
In my business, Investigative Journalists are not required to tape, take hard notes or audio record any part of their research unless they wish to.
It is only when they get everything lined up properly, for that all-important interview, do they bring in the cameras/phone recorders/undercover lipstick cams-in-bags, etc.

It was strictly up to Amy's discretion as to when & if to do this, in any of the stories she was assigned to cover, as an Investigative Reporter.

And who is to say that she did not provide the more salient pieces of those un-recorded discussions to the PPD/FBI, if she felt that it might give them a better insight into Lisa's whereabouts?

It was noted in the Chicago Tribune that Amy had, indeed, mentioned a few insights to the PPD just prior to her Live Shots for WMAQ-NBC5, which she felt might help them in their investigation.
She put forth, in one interview, that there is an important supportive, inter-relationship (as far as she was concerned) between LE and the Media, when trying to solve a possible crime.

Especially one as excruciating as Lisa's.

Many journalists disagree with her (see Eric Zorn's editorial columns).. but, then again, those folks weren't ever in the Stebic's Plainfield home - looking directly into Lisa's childrens eyes.

The question I would like you all to ask yourselves, quietly, is that if you (being a parent of your own children) see two motherless children in obvious pain...and you alone had an opportunity to try to help them, as well as cover both sides of the story....what would you do?

I pointed out before ( in another posting - which has since been removed by the Admin) that Amy was there that Friday at the direct invitation of Craig's sister - Jill - and her family (complete with young children) to get to know them...and their side of the story.
Their departure for their home in Iowa was imminent....a slim window.
Now, you would think that Lisa's family might not approve of this visit...but you would be wrong.

Anything which will help end this agony was and is welcome.

The edited reporter package from CBS2 portrayed an erroneous visual.
This was a meeting of two women with small children, on a swelteringly hot day, concerning a mysterious disappearance of a young mother ...and had very little to do with directly interviewing (or gathering information from) Craig Stebic, himself.

But people didn't want to see or know of the truth of this situation...the worldwide media frenzy (starting with the CBS2 newsroom) wanted to assign/project a more prurient image of this working play-date.
There was no "pool party"...in the normal terms, as we all know them.
This was a impromptu visit, requested by Craig's family, at the last minute - on Amy's day off.
Her young children see the pool, they are all in bathing suits anyway (since Amy & her kids - both under the age of 4 - were on their way to their private club) and they beg to get into the pool, to cool off prior to having a bite to eat before the women have a chance to sit down and talk.
Meanwhile, the CBS2 crew cruises into the neighborhood (attempting to get a SOT from Craig, as to if he is planning to attend the next day's search in Silver Springs State Park but are denied access to the property) recognize Amy's vehicle...and proceeds to stakeout the Stebic home....filming the backyard pool area utilizing a professional Betacam, mounted on a large tripod, upfitted with an Extender (this is what we call special Zoom attachment, in TV News photography), undercover, via a neighbors living room window.
(This neighbor, btw, was also a totally innocent bystander in this situation - believing they were helping to solve Lisa's disappearance, according to the CBS2 crew).

There's more to the story of the airing of the video-tape...but as you can see on the CBS2 website...the management was pressured (by the public outcry) into showing the entire 6 minutes of the unedited videotape, admit that the tape was shot professionally by their own crew (it did NOT just "fall into their laps", btw) and defend their decision to air a strictly sensationalistic story, intended to discredit their competition (during a Nielsen Ratings Book/July Sweeps period).
Although they registered a record amount of hits to their website in the initial days of the airing of the story...their overall numbers for their 10pm (the most revenue-rich newscast of any television station) dropped precipitously for the July Book (by approx. one-third).

So, in light of all of this loss...on the part of everyone involved....
Now that all is perceived in retrospect...what good did this do, for anyone..and especially for Lisa and her children?

Lives, Careers, Trusts ruined...and for what ?!


What if the police decided to come in and arrest Craig? Her kids were right there. You never take children to an assignment or story! Are you related to Amy? Amy did something wrong. She got busted for it. It's not like this is the first time, nor will it be the last time she will do something like this.
CBS (WBBM) had every right to film what they did. Most big stories Fox has an additional camera facing the media. So, what's the big deal with that? Amy is a public figure. She has a morals clause in her contract.
Amy should have dropped her kids off at home first. Then went over there. Who is this? Amy's husband or agent? You know what a SOT is so you must know something about the media.

[AZ News Watcher]

What if the police decided to come in and arrest Craig? Her kids were right there. You never take children to an assignment or story! Are you related to Amy? Amy did something wrong. She got busted for it. It's not like this is the first time, nor will it be the last time she will do something like this.
CBS (WBBM) had every right to film what they did. Most big stories Fox has an additional camera facing the media. So, what's the big deal with that? Amy is a public figure. She has a morals clause in her contract.
Amy should have dropped her kids off at home first. Then went over there. Who is this? Amy's husband or agent? You know what a SOT is so you must know something about the media.

Mystic - I am neither Amy's husband or agent. I am the co-creator of Lisa's website...and the designer of the extremely successful campaign which was launched to actually FIND LISA STEBIC !!!
I only know and met Amy through her tremendously fine work in investigating Lisa's case.
What I put forth is on behalf of Lisa's family. Period.
Because we have that right, nothing more...nothing less.

Again, Craig was not a suspect, at that time...nor was he even a "Person of Interest" (officially).
We are very sorry that Amy and her children were even involved in this mess....that she was trying her best to solve this case, as best she knew how for all of us.
And I know what an SOT is...because I have been in the Media (not in Chicago) for over 25 years.
And it is because of my expertise...my knowledge...and my creative, hard-driven ways of planning/organizing/writing that any of you ever got to hear the name "Lisa Stebic".
Do a little bit of research, please.
Visit Lisa's website (wwwFindLisaStebic.com) ...review all of the links and listed articles...and you will see exactly with whom you are speaking.

[HesterMofet]

I'll admit, I balked when I heard about Amy Jacobson taking her kids to the Stebic home. We were all given the wrong impression by the media and it's a shame that Amy has been vilified.

You never get the whole story with the media and that's a darn shame, especially for Lisa, her family and friends.

[ocean]

I'll admit, I balked when I heard about Amy Jacobson taking her kids to the Stebic home. We were all given the wrong impression by the media and it's a shame that Amy has been vilified.

You never get the whole story with the media and that's a darn shame, especially for Lisa, her family and friends.

Ditto

[WindChime]

I'm sorry but yes we would of heard the name Lisa Stebic. Lisa went missing and her friend called and made a police report and the local media was following the reports and then national T.V started reporting about a loving,caring mother of two precious children went missing.

[AZ News Watcher]

I'm sorry but yes we would of heard the name Lisa Stebic. Lisa went missing and her friend called and made a police report and the local media was following the reports and then national T.V started reporting about a loving,caring mother of two precious children went missing.

I think you misunderstood what I was saying, "Windchime"....

You have only heard about Lisa Stebic (through the media)...because it was I who constructed the full media plan & helped create her website to get her name out INTO the Chicagoland market, to begin with (within 48 hours of her disappearance), the national TV viewing audience, subsequently...and marketing, ever since.
She would have been another nameless "missing person" if the family had not immediately gotten in touch with me to start up the "Media Machine"..and she would not have gotten her name listed on "Websleuths", along with all these other fairly high-profile cases without that critical Media attention.

You have only to read the Chicago Tribune article Lisa's family put up on Lisa's website (Recent News/Press page) to see what I am indicating.

There is a lesson to be learned from this if any of YOU have a family member "go missing"..and suspect foul play.

1) WITHOUT DELAY - create a website with a picture and all the pertinent information..make it COLORFUL (using only Primary, complementary colors)...give it a "memorable" name...so people remember it easily.
2) Put out a Press Release immediately FAX'd and e-mailed to the Assignment Desks of your local TV/Radio and Print newsrooms...
3) Hold a "Family Press Conference" complete with pictures of the missing loved one (hold them while you are talking/giving interviews)...and make copies of as many of your home movies as possible, onto DVD or CD formats to hand out to the press.
4) Then gather as many of your most talented friends (artists, computer whiz's, idea people, hard-workers)..and start to delegate.

5) Look to upcoming events, holidays, local traditions to "tie-in" the story of your missing loved one.
6) Come up with a new idea every other day...and let the Press know about it.
7) Keep it fresh....keep it touching...and, above all, be ACCESSIBLE !

Being a both good friend of the family, a seasoned TV News professional..and having once been apart of the Martha Moxley/Michael Skakel case - Lisa's relatives knew that I would be able to make quick inroads into a very complex industry.
Everything must be "packaged" in a certain way, loaded with visuals and laced with written, informative "hooks".
I have been exceedingly fortunate and impressed with the overwhelming support (in terms of Community volunteerism and coordination) which has come to our campaign to Find Lisa Stebic.
All of my marketing ideas and coordination would not have been possible without alot of legwork and sheer effort on the part of the residents of Plainfield, Il and the whole Chicagoland area.
Their love and concern way overshadows my far-reaching campaign designs, search coordination and media-facilitation.
But, again...without the help of an Affilliate & Network News specialist (like myself, unpaid btw) - the national or even city/state population would never have heard the name of a missing adult, like Lisa.
An unfortunate reality of how many adults go "missing" every year..without much notice or concern by the general public.

Now, if we could just get that one person to tell us where Lisa is...it would be worth the tremendous sacrifice on the part of thousands of giving & concerned people.
Again, the Reward Fund is up to $64,000+....the Special Tip Hotline is: 815-267-7217, the website is www.FindLisaStebic.com (http://www.FindLisaStebic.com)

[Lola]

Thanks so much for your insight and information AZ News Watcher. This is a very disheartening case.

[WindChime]

I had a very dear family member go missing and later was only able to be identified from what little remains that were left half of her wrist. If you lived in the Chicago area back in 1994 you might of heard about the case. There was a hang up 911 call LE took almost 20 minutes when it should of been a 5 minutes. LE found her back door open they went in found her coat on the back of a kitchen chair and her purse poured out on the kitchen table. LE told us she might of become confused and wandered off. We did not by it I contacted the media but I won't go into all of that. She was a young 73 year old lady,she had qualified for HUD housing to come in and winterize her home and upgrade her electrical. Hub sub contracted M&R electric. Needless to say she did not tell us but she told her dear friend that the electrician helper gave her the creeps. A week later after the job was totally done he came back to her house and wanted to borrow $50 she told him she didn't have it she was waiting for a call from her friend because they were going out to eat after her friends daughter picked up her grandchild and she was to call Virgina to let her know she was on her way. Thomas Lee Rogers did not like the fact she told him no she was able to dial 911 and he hung up the phone in fear of being arrested again he had just gotten out of prison after serving 6 years the owner of M&R electric was Thomas Lee Rogers brother I know I'm not typing this up with periods and all that because I'm in a hurry. TLR kidnapped Virgina took her down to Gary Indiana and threw her over the overpass bridge into the center lane of I 80/94 during rush hour. I won't go into the graphic here if anyone would like more information please just pm me.
I do understand what you are saying AZ News but I also know the local news papers and local t.v stations broadcast missing person's information but you are correct that one does have to go the national media to get their picture and information out there.

[ocean]

I think you misunderstood what I was saying, "Windchime"....

You have only heard about Lisa Stebic (through the media)...because it was I who constructed the full media plan & helped create her website to get her name out INTO the Chicagoland market, to begin with (within 48 hours of her disappearance), the national TV viewing audience, subsequently...and marketing, ever since.
She would have been another nameless "missing person" if the family had not immediately gotten in touch with me to start up the "Media Machine"..and she would not have gotten her name listed on "Websleuths", along with all these other fairly high-profile cases without that critical Media attention.

You have only to read the Chicago Tribune article Lisa's family put up on Lisa's website (Recent News/Press page) to see what I am indicating.

There is a lesson to be learned from this if any of YOU have a family member "go missing"..and suspect foul play.

1) WITHOUT DELAY - create a website with a picture and all the pertinent information..make it COLORFUL (using only Primary, complementary colors)...give it a "memorable" name...so people remember it easily.
2) Put out a Press Release immediately FAX'd and e-mailed to the Assignment Desks of your local TV/Radio and Print newsrooms...
3) Hold a "Family Press Conference" complete with pictures of the missing loved one (hold them while you are talking/giving interviews)...and make copies of as many of your home movies as possible, onto DVD or CD formats to hand out to the press.
4) Then gather as many of your most talented friends (artists, computer whiz's, idea people, hard-workers)..and start to delegate.

5) Look to upcoming events, holidays, local traditions to "tie-in" the story of your missing loved one.
6) Come up with a new idea every other day...and let the Press know about it.
7) Keep it fresh....keep it touching...and, above all, be ACCESSIBLE !

Being a both good friend of the family, a seasoned TV News professional..and having once been apart of the Martha Moxley/Michael Skakel case - Lisa's relatives knew that I would be able to make quick inroads into a very complex industry.
Everything must be "packaged" in a certain way, loaded with visuals and laced with written, informative "hooks".
I have been exceedingly fortunate and impressed with the overwhelming support (in terms of Community volunteerism and coordination) which has come to our campaign to Find Lisa Stebic.
All of my marketing ideas and coordination would not have been possible without alot of legwork and sheer effort on the part of the residents of Plainfield, Il and the whole Chicagoland area.
Their love and concern way overshadows my far-reaching campaign designs, search coordination and media-facilitation.
But, again...without the help of an Affilliate & Network News specialist (like myself, unpaid btw) - the national or even city/state population would never have heard the name of a missing adult, like Lisa.
An unfortunate reality of how many adults go "missing" every year..without much notice or concern by the general public.

Now, if we could just get that one person to tell us where Lisa is...it would be worth the tremendous sacrifice on the part of thousands of giving & concerned people.
Again, the Reward Fund is up to $64,000+....the Special Tip Hotline is: 815-267-7217, the website is www.FindLisaStebic.com (http://www.FindLisaStebic.com)

AZ...it is a great thing when the power of the press can work in a possitive way. The GP wants a chance to help each other....and YES it is YOU the power of the press who allow Lisa's neighbors, friends and community to embrace Lisa and her family. I do believe that something special is happening here. With all my being I pray that after Lisa's case is no longer open this campaign will not end but blossom into a wave embracing others.....

[AZ News Watcher]

I had a very dear family member go missing and later was only able to be identified from what little remains that were left half of her wrist. If you lived in the Chicago area back in 1994 you might of heard about the case. There was a hang up 911 call LE took almost 20 minutes when it should of been a 5 minutes. LE found her back door open they went in found her coat on the back of a kitchen chair and her purse poured out on the kitchen table. LE told us she might of become confused and wandered off. We did not by it I contacted the media but I won't go into all of that. She was a young 73 year old lady,she had qualified for HUD housing to come in and winterize her home and upgrade her electrical. Hub sub contracted M&R electric. Needless to say she did not tell us but she told her dear friend that the electrician helper gave her the creeps. A week later after the job was totally done he came back to her house and wanted to borrow $50 she told him she didn't have it she was waiting for a call from her friend because they were going out to eat after her friends daughter picked up her grandchild and she was to call Virgina to let her know she was on her way. Thomas Lee Rogers did not like the fact she told him no she was able to dial 911 and he hung up the phone in fear of being arrested again he had just gotten out of prison after serving 6 years the owner of M&R electric was Thomas Lee Rogers brother I know I'm not typing this up with periods and all that because I'm in a hurry. TLR kidnapped Virgina took her down to Gary Indiana and threw her over the overpass bridge into the center lane of I 80/94 during rush hour. I won't go into the graphic here if anyone would like more information please just pm me.
I do understand what you are saying AZ News but I also know the local news papers and local t.v stations broadcast missing person's information but you are correct that one does have to go the national media to get their picture and information out there.

I think I Do remember this horrible, horrible crime, WindChime. I am so very, very sorry this poor woman was a dear family member..much loved and much missed.
A truly cruel "animal" took her away from you...and for that I now grieve along with you, the senselessness of it all.
Yes, the National News Media is very important...but it is the local media, the grass-roots efforts which must be the "initial seeds" of finding a missing loved one or following up on a heinous crime committed against a family member..in solving a mystery.
That is why following my (already posted) steps are the very basic things you MUST do, right away - if something like this happens to someone you know!
Most families can't "wrap their minds" around anything, while under such terror and fear of what could have happened to their missing loved one...and that is why it is important to invest in friends, confide in them and ask for their help - in creating a website, writing up press releases (a basic "Who, What, Where, When" & Contact information for a "Family Spokesperson"), holding a Family Press Conference, offering pictures/video & etc.
This starts the small fist-size "snowball" which starts rolling down the small hill, to a medium-size hill, to (if you are fortunate) a much-LARGER Hill - until it becomes an avalanche in publicity, spreading the word of their being "missing".
But it takes coordination, perseverence and strength...(along with alot of love and support from all of your friends, who will do ANYTHING to help you - if you but ask!)

Thank you, Ocean...you, obviously, have borne "First-Person Witness" to the overwhelming response of concern, love and support to Lisa's case, in her hometown.
Again, no idea can get an inroad...unless there are many arms and legs and hearts to carry it to its intended destination.
I will never be able to re-pay all those who have made all these plans truly come to fruition, in hopes of someday re-uniting Lisa with her two children!

[WindChime]

AZ News you truly have done a wonderful job on Find Lisa S website and getting Lisa's name and picturers in the national media.I pray for Lisa and her precious children each night in hopes that she will be found alive but I must be honest IMO I fear that Craig has murdered her when I see picturers of him and I look into his eyes they remind me of Thomas Lee Rogers eyes "evil and empty". I have followed Lisa's case since I first read about it even though I live down here in the south now I still read the local news papers.

[Mysticchic]

I'm sorry but who cares who did what. All that matters is they find Lisa and then who did whatever to her. But the TV news shows like a good looking white woman with a nice life to jump on. That was one easy sell to me.
Now try getting news coverage for 2 missing black kids that go missing and one of the fathers is a drug dealer.

[Mafitz]

SeriouslySearching hit it on the head! So many experts so little time, and still no closer to finding out what happened to Lisa.

Shame on me that I dared think Melanie Greenberg and Lisa's friends were to be credited for getting Lisa's case out to the National Media anyway.

Anyway this case is so frustrating, but hopefully soon with the talk of grand juries and the like, it will come to a close.

Mystic true ring that bell louder. For all of those who are missing and have no one bringing attention to them because they are poor or are cast off as socially expendable.

[twinkiesmom]

<<And it is because of my expertise...my knowledge...and my creative, hard-driven ways of planning/organizing/writing that any of you ever got to hear the name "Lisa Stebic". >>

I think you are underestimating how many of us A) Live in the Chicago area and heard the news directly or B) Watch daily crime news shows like Greta Van Susteren or Nancy Grace.