02-03-2010/02-04-2010 KSHB'S PTACEK UNVEILS MAJOR BANNISTER COMPLEX INFO Calling it the biggest story he has done in more than 20 years in journalism, KSHB Action News investigative reporter Russ Ptacek reveal new details in his three-month investigation of cancer concerns at Kansas City's Bannister Federal Complex. In an unusual twist, the story aired (2/3)---a day before the all-important TV sweeps period---which officially starts Feb. 4 and runs through March 3. For a complete update on all the stories Ptacek has done on the story: http://www.nbcactionnews.com/content/investigative/bannister/story/Papers-Show-Knowledge-of-Cancer-Fears/zRCm3N2sZ0OKDdimNt1IUg.cspx Ptacek said he has pored through literally thousands of documents requested under the "Freedom of Information" Act since last year when he first began reporting on major health issues at the Complex. "Since last November, when I first heard of the problems there, I have devoted about 90 percent of my time to this story," Ptacek told Bottom Line. "That is virtually unheard of in the TV news business, but shows the commitment this station has to journalism." The Pitch's Nadia Pflaum (LINK) and KCUR have done related stories about the problems at Bannister, however, the Kansas City Star and other TV stations have virtually ignored the issue. "This is the biggest, most complex story that I have ever done," says Ptacek. "It also is one that has the gravest consequences. "People have died since we began airing this story."
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