Gerry Lanosga
Gerry Lanosga has been a part of the Indiana media industry since 1988. He spent eight years with the Indianapolis News and Indianapolis Star, nine years at WTHR-TV, and has been teching at Indiana University for more than a decade. Throughout his journalism career, he consistently created stories that provoked change and left an impact on his audience.
Early Journalism Career
Lanosga turned four years old the day Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. He recalls watching the mission launch with his family and understanding that there was a big event happening on television. It was July 20, 1969, and Lanosga had just experienced his first encounter with broadcast journalism.
As Lanosga grew older, he developed a love for writing. He attended Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and was enrolled in various writing courses. He started his journalism career there, first as copy editor and later as editor-in-chief of his high school paper, The Echelon. Then, at the University of Redlands, he worked his way up to become editor-in-chief for the student-run newspaper.
The small, private college in California had less than 2,000 students, so The Bulldog Weekly did not have a large circulation. Lanosga says it was a small paper focused on small things, but they made a lot of big splashes.
One notable occasion was a controversy over a full-page Bud Light advertisement featured on the back page of the paper. The newspaper solicited the ad because it needed funding, but it angered the university's board of trustees, which chastised the staff at a subsequent meeting and mandated that any further such advertising be accompanied by a disclaimer about the legal age for consuming alcohol.
Because the University of Redlands did not have a journalism major, Lanosga graduated with a political science degree and a minor in professional writing.
Clips in this video
Print Career
After college, Lanosga sent his resume all over the west coast in hopes of finding a job close to home. When he didn’t get any offers, he decided to follow his future wife, Michelle, to Indianapolis where she would be starting law school. With $500 and all his possessions packed into his car, Lanosga headed to Indiana for the first time ever. A few weeks after the big move, Lanosga landed a job at The Daily Journal in Johnson County.
The Daily Journal was a small local paper with only four reporters. For 11 months, he covered the county government, the police records and court vitals. Lanosga found value in working for a small newspaper because he got to learn how to do journalism. Since he was not a journalism major in college, he says he learned many of his journalism skills on the job.
Clips in this video
At the small paper, he was able to try various types of writing and cover different beats. He gained experience covering crime, writing feature stories and trying investigative reporting in a short amount of time.
About a year after his move to Indiana, Lanosga transitioned to a new job at the Indianapolis News. He worked at the News (and also the Indianapolis Star when the two papers merged) for eight years, one of his roles including a weekly columnist.
One of the most memorable pieces Lanosga wrote at the News was a piece about the Crown Hill Cemetery. It was a Memorial Day column about shelves of unclaimed cremated remains in a maintenance shed at the cemetery.
Clips in this video
A few days after the column was published, a reader called Lanosga and told him she thought one of those unclaimed jars might be her baby. The baby had been born out of wedlock and died shortly after birth. The baby’s cremated ashes were taken away and the family never spoke about the baby again.
Lanosga’s column allowed the woman to reconnect with her child and give her baby a proper goodbye. He said being able to have such a profound impact on a reader was one of the highlights of his career.
Broadcast Career
Near the end of his time at the Indianapolis News, Lanosga and his co-worker, Kathleen Johnston, heard that there were openings at WTHR-TV. Lanosga and Johnston felt ready to try something new, and in 1997, they joined the station's investigative team.
As an investigative producer, Lanosga’s workload shifted to long-term projects. WTHR used the engaging investigative pieces to encourage more viewers to watch the station. Lanosga said this was beneficial for the investigative team because they had more time to create really important pieces.
An investigative piece that stands out to Lanosga is one centered around Ruth Lilly. Lilly was an elderly and reclusive heiress of the Eli Lilly pharmaceutical fortune who lived in Indianapolis. Journalists knew her as a regular donor to nonprofit organizations and politicians, but the investigative team received a tip that she was being exploited. When they looked into the claim, they discovered Lilly had been under a court-ordered conservatorship for decades and that her attorney, bankers and medical staff had been involved in millions of dollars in questionable spending on lavish overseas trips, among other things.
After a year of interviews, looking into public records, and undercover work, WTHR-TV broadcast a series that prompted a Marion County judge to order major cuts in fees to the bank and attorney and strict new guidelines for Lilly's conservatorship.
Clips in this video
Professor of Journalism
After nearly a decade in broadcast journalism, Lanosga felt that he was ready for a change. In 2010, he earned his Ph.D in mass communications at Indiana University and taught journalism for three years at Ball State University as an assistant professor. In 2012, he returned to Indiana University to teach as a journalism professor.
At Indiana University, he teaches future journalists the ethics behind the media industry. He also teaches investigative journalism and other courses.
Lanosga enjoys teaching History of Journalism, a course focused on the timeline of American journalism. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of oral histories which Lanosga deems as extremely valuable. He says that oral histories collect a perspective of journalism that cannot be told through artifacts.
Lanosga is a professor because he wants to prepare the next generation of journalists. He says despite it being a challenge to teach journalism courses while the business is dealing with hostility from the public, artificial intelligence, and economic contraction, it does keep the job interesting.
Clips in this video
Lanosga has a national reputation for his research in journalism history, especially the in the area of investigative journalism and journalism's professional prize culture.
In May 2023, Lanosga won the Covert Award from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication's history division. He earned this award for an article that explored investigative journalism's roots in the early nineteenth century, when abolitionists pioneered a documentary approach to expose the abuses of slavery.
Lanosga currently serves as the Director of Journalism for the Media School.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
By Marnie Sara
Edited by Jack Lindner
For more information on the life and career of Gerry Lanosga, watch his entire oral history interview.
Last Edit: May 2024
Related Items
Title | Station | Date Aired | Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|
WTHR: The Irsay Investigators Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
A WTHR Channel 13 news story on the investigators in Colt's owner Jim Irsay's prescription drug abuse case. Producers: Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga |
||
|
||||
The Investigators: Deadbeat Justice Gerry Lanosga Collection |
2002 |
(00:00-10:11) The Investigators: An in depth investigation of a broken system of "deadbeat justice" where unpaid child support leads to arrests and jail time, paid for by tax dollars, but does not... |
||
|
||||
The Investigators: Nicole Richards (etc); Eyewitness News Gerry Lanosga Collection |
2002 |
00:14-02:00: Frank Anderson, democrat, running for Sheriff of Marion County; |
||
|
||||
Eyewitness News, Under the Radar, The Investigators: Anthrax, airport security, ITC investigation and other local news updates Gerry Lanosga Collection |
2002 |
Eyewitness News: Top Story: Anthrax found at an Indianapolis company and the decontamination process; |
||
|
||||
WTHR: Irsay Investigation Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
WTHR Channel 13 news story on the investigation into Colts owner Jim Irsay's prescription drug abuse. Producers: Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga |
||
|
||||
WTHR: "To Protect and be Served" and "Indiana's Holy War" Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
WTHR news reports on cops crossing the lines on rules for DUIs and the possibility for a "Holy War" in Indianapolis following tensions elsewhere such as in Waco, Texas. |
||
|
||||
WTHR Investigators: Dismissed DUI Cases, Section 8 Fund Scam, and Guarding the Guardians Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
Collection of WTHR Investigators stories featuring Jeremy Rogalski as the reporter. Producers: Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga |
||
|
||||
WTHR Eyewitness News: Investigations 2 Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2000 |
Collection of WTHR Eyewitness News investigations that include stories on the 2000 Democratic elections, the Westville Prison allegations, and the legal battle between the IRS and the Indianapolis... |
||
|
||||
WTHR Eyewitness News: Investigations Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
Collection of WTHR Eyewitness News investigations, including "Guarding the Guardians", the award-winning story on Ruth Lilly, the then sole-surviving great-grandchild of pharmaceutical... |
||
|
||||
WTHR Eyewitness News: Behind the Badge Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
WTHR news investigation into Indianapolis Police Department officers accused of misconducts such as domestic abuse, DUIs, and police brutality toward Black-Americans and double standards towards... |
||
|
||||
Eyewitness News: “Guarding the Guardians” and “Behind the Badge” Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
The award-winning WTHR news story on the last surviving great-grandchild of Eli Lilly, founder of Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical company. The team investigates the legal disputes associated... |
||
|
||||
To Protect & Be Served Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2000 |
WTHR news investigation on Marion County Sheriff Jack Cottey and how he himself and other cops were getting away with DUIs. |
||
|
||||
Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga Going Away Party Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
WTHR news story on Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga leaving the Indianapolis Star and News. |
||
|
||||
Under Surveillance Gerry Lanosga Collection |
200x |
00:00-13:59: practice runs of broadcast without video; |
||
|
||||
The Investigators: Under Surveillance Gerry Lanosga Collection |
2003-05-19 |
Begins with footage on the allegation report of National City Bank in the way it sold Eli Lilly stocks. It includes several cuts to an interview from a previous recording. The full... |
||
|
||||
The Investigators Gerry Lanosga Collection |
1998/2003 |
S1: (00:00-06:57) Justice Delayed: DNA backlog delaying testing to solve rape crimes; |
||
|
||||
The Investigators: Security, Failure, Justice (etc) Gerry Lanosga Collection |
200x |
(00:00-06:16) Investigation on the ability to purchase restricted military materials online; |
||
|
||||
The Investigators: Addiction for Sale Gerry Lanosga Collection |
2003-02 |
Seg 1: (0:04-10:38)The Investigators: Addiction for Sale. Story showing hidden cameras of people selling tobacco products to underage people. Produced by Gerry Lanosga; Seg 2: (10:47-29:18)... |
||
|
||||
The Investigators: Asbestos, Bobby Knight Gerry Lanosga Collection |
2003-02 |
Seg 1: (00:00-1:03:32) The Investigators: Asbestos; Bob Knight Under Oath, Addiction for Sale Seg 2: (1:04:56-1:36:05) America Remembers 9/11 |
||
|
||||
Investigators: "Guarding the Guardians" - Ruth Lilly Guardianship Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2000 |
WTHR news investigation into the legal battle regarding Eli Lilly's great-granddaughter Ruth Lilly. Producers: Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga |
||
|
||||
News Compilation of "Guarding the Guardians" Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
WTHR news compilation that includes the award-winning story on Ruth Lilly’s guardianship, “Guarding the Guardians,” produced by Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga. "Guarding the... |
||
|
||||
The Investigators: Gerry Lanosga and Kathleen Johnston Kathleen Johnston Collection |
unknown/unknown |
Collection of news stories from "The Investigators" series on WTHR produced and written by Gerry Lanosga and Kathleen Johnston. |
||
|
||||
WTHR Investigators: Nicole Richards Recovery Battle, Bob Knight Trial, and the Indianapolis Baptist Temple Unrest Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2000 |
WTHR News Investigators stories, all produced by Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga, that include coverage on the Jim Irsay investigation, the Indianapolis Baptist Temple unrest, and the Bob... |
||
|
||||
WTHR Investigators: "Guarding the Guardians," Dismissed DUI Cases, and the Jim Irsay Investigation Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2002 |
WTHR Investigators news stories produced by Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga: includes reports on Ruth Lilly's guardianship legal battle, dismissed DUI cases, and Colts manager Jim Irsay's drug... |
||
|
||||
Martial Art School Abuse Investigation, Payne Stewart Jet Crash, and 18-Month-Old Rescued by Good Samaritan Kathleen Johnston Collection |
1999 |
WTHR compilation including outtakes, news stories, and the investigation into a martial art school on claims of abuse (produced by Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga). Anchors: Anne... |
||
|
||||
WTHR Investigators: Airport Parking, Victims Assistance, and Domestic Violence Kathleen Johnston Collection |
1997 |
WTHR News Investigators series with stories ranging from airport parking, victims assistance, and domestic violence. Anchors: Anne Ryder, John Stehr, Bob Gregory, Dave Calabro, Jill... |
||
|
||||
On The Road Again-Suspended Licenses Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2001 |
WTHR Channel 13 news story on people driving after having their licenses suspended and the legal ramifications surrounding loose laws on suspended drivers, particularly those with a DUI.... |
||
|
||||
WTHR Eyewitness News: Credit Score and Car Insurance + More News Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2001 |
Channel 13 Eyewitness News story on how Indiana residents credit score affects their car insurance. Producers: Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga This video also includes other WTHR... |
||
|
||||
Case Dismissed and other news broadcasts Kathleen Johnston Collection |
1997-10 |
Segment 1: WTHR news report on driving under the influence and cases dismissed due to arresting officers not showing up for depositions or court; Segment 2: WRTV News; Segment 3:... |
||
|
||||
Eyewitness News: Case Dismissed-DUI Victims Kathleen Johnston Collection |
2000 |
Eyewitness News story on DUI cases that were dismissed and the reason why DUI suspects sometimes wrongfully get away with it. Producers: Kathleen Johnston and Gerry Lanosga |
||
|
||||
Gerry Lanosga Oral History Oral History Collection |
2023-10-25 |
Marnie Bella Sara interviews Gerry Lanosga |
||
|
||||
The Investigators Kathleen Johnston Collection |
200x |
Several episodes of Eyewitness News: The Investigators, produced by Kathleen Johnston & Gerry Lanosga |
||
|