It’s not every day a viewer email makes it on-air, but on Thursday night’s Roggin Report, Fred Roggin did just that—reading and responding to a message from a concerned viewer named Stephen who questioned the segment’s journalistic integrity.
Stephen’s email, also sent to producer Kevin and NBC Palm Springs News Director David Reese, asked whether The Roggin Report was intended as news or entertainment. He cited a recent episode that used the phrase “questions have been asked” without sourcing, arguing that it didn’t meet standard news guidelines. While he praised NBC Palm Springs as “the best and most trustworthy news station in the Coachella Valley,” he felt the segment’s tone undermined the newsroom’s credibility.
Fred, never one to dodge a comment—snarky or sincere—offered a humorous but direct response. He joked about spelling challenges and time management, and compared the show to “manure” that helps things grow. “In all seriousness, we don’t take ourselves seriously,” Fred added. “We present a different approach to news. It can be a bit shocking to people of a certain generation.”
He emphasized that The Roggin Report is not a traditional newscast but a “news product” designed to be different. “Our show has broken more exclusive stories than anyone in the market,” he said. “We report what matters to our audience.”
Closing his message with a metaphor, Fred said: “Our show is kind of like escargot—a delicacy to many, but not everyone likes snails.”
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By: NBC Palm Springs
April 24, 2025
