Colin Powell Visits Grand Rapids

Analysis:

This story from WZZM 13 announces that former Secretary of State Colin Powell was scheduled to speak in Grand Rapids. The story functions as nothing more than an announcement, simply stating that Powell will be speaking. Even as an announcement it is limited, as it does not mention what Colin Powell will be discussing, why he was chosen, or his past record.

There was no follow-up story and no coverage of the actual talk. WZZM 13 never explored Powell’s record, which would have been relevant given the ongoing war in Iraq and Powell’s role in building support for the invasion .

Story:

Grand Rapids – Former Secretary of State Colin Powell will be in Grand Rapids Friday to speak to law enforcement personnel.

He is a keynote speaker at this year’s Great Lakes Homeland Security Training Conference and Expo, which is taking place at the DeVos Place. The conference brings together law enforcement and security professionals to network and see the latest in security and emergency response products.

Powell last visited Grand Rapids in 2005, to speak at the city’s annual Economic Club dinner.

Michigan State Police hosted the conference.