The O.J. Simpson trial ushered in the era of infotainment
Wall-to-wall coverage blurred the line between reporting and entertainment and reshaped how high-profile cases are covered
This article is part of The Poynter 50, a series reflecting on 50 moments and people that shaped journalism over the past half-century — and continue to influence its future.
The white Ford Bronco would not stop, even with a fleet of police cars behind it. Inside was O.J. Simpson, a former football star who had failed to turn himself in to police.
Al Cowlings, a friend and former teammate of Simpson’s who was behind the wheel, called 911 and identified himself.
“I have O.J. in the car,” Cowlings told the dispatcher. He said he was on Interstate 5, the primary north-south artery of the West Coast.
“Right now we’re OK, but you gotta tell the police to just back off,” Cowlings pleaded. “He’s still alive, but he’s got a gun to his head.”
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