Episode 51
Episode 51: Uncovering the Truth: Journalism's Role in Reporting with Shira Moolten
In this conversation, Ali Kessler speaks with Shira Moolten, a reporter for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, about the critical role of journalism in addressing issues of domestic violence and public safety. They discuss the challenges of covering trauma, the importance of compassionate storytelling, and the systemic issues that often go unreported. Shira shares her experiences in investigative reporting, the emotional toll of her work, and the need for better understanding of coercive control and mental health in the context of domestic violence. The conversation emphasizes the impact of media coverage on policy reform and the importance of community collaboration in raising awareness.
Takeaways
- Journalism can directly affect people's lives.
- Covering trauma requires a balance of compassion and accuracy.
- Investigative reporting often uncovers systemic issues.
- Domestic violence cases often reveal patterns of abuse.
- Media coverage can lead to meaningful policy changes.
- Personal stories can highlight broader societal issues.
- Mental health plays a significant role in domestic violence cases.
- Coercive control is often overlooked in family court.
- There is a need for better training for legal professionals.
- Community collaboration is essential for raising awareness.
About Shira Moolten
Shira Moolten is a reporter for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, where she covers breaking news, crime, and public safety. She has been with the paper since 2022.
Shira received her bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 2021 and her master’s degree from Columbia Journalism School in 2022. Before joining the Sun Sentinel, she freelanced for two local newspapers in Northern California — The Union and The Sierra Sun.
Her investigative series on lead emissions at South Florida’s general aviation airports has been recognized as a finalist by both the Florida Society of News Editors and the Society of Professional Journalists’ Sunshine State Awards.
Through her reporting, Shira brings visibility to issues that impact families, survivors, and communities — highlighting how systemic failures can have devastating real-world consequences, and why awareness and accountability matter more than ever. https://www.sun-sentinel.com/author/shira-moolten/
About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”
Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.
Contact Ali:
