To get a deeper understanding of the whole Roman Polanski case, my friend Emily and I decided to watch the documentary Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired this weekend. For anyone who may have formed an opinion on this case, I suggest you check out this well made film. It may not change your opinion, but I definitely found it enlightening in many ways.

One unexpected moment of enlightenment was the incidental introduction of a KNBC news anchor in Los Angeles who went by the name of Furnell Chatman. Mr. Chatman was one of the many anchors who covered the Polanski case as it unfolded. Both Emily and I were somewhat intrigued by this gentleman with the unique name and equally unique (and appealing) on-air delivery. After seeing Mr. Chatman a few times during the documentary, I told Emily, “I am going to look that guy up on Wikipedia.”

Furnell Chatman does not appear in Wikipedia except as a minor blurb in a long list of KNBC news anchors. But I didn’t stop there. I decided to dig a little further. For all of its flaws, you’ve gotta love the internet. Turns out Mr. Chatman had been working as an anchor for 40 years and retired earlier this year, returning to his home state of Louisiana. Mr. Chatman covered everything from the Manson trial to Polanski to scoring the first post-trial interview with O.J. Simpson. Mr. Chatman broke through color barriers in Louisiana before moving to Los Angeles. He is admired and respected by many, both in California and back home in Louisiana. And now, Mr. Chatman has my respect and admiration. People kick down doors for those that follow all the time and sometimes we never know who they are. You see minorities anchoring the news everywhere now. It’s old hat. What many of us neglect to see are trailblazers like Mr. Chatman, making the path for future generations of newsmen and women just a bit smoother.