“Missing in America” is an original podcast series from Dateline NBC aimed specifically at helping bring missing persons home to their families. In the series, hosts Josh Mankiewicz and Andrea Canning report on perplexing cases brought to Dateline’s attention by our social media followers. Each episode focuses on one person’s story, as told by families left behind, along with investigators and experts. Every episode includes a call to action, as listeners are asked to pay close attention to the details of these stories, in the hopes that something they hear might jog a memory that could help authorities solve a case.
The series provides listeners with key clues, including descriptions of missing persons, and offers ways for them to reach out directly to investigators on the case.
The missing persons cases we featured in Season 2 of “Missing in America” represent people and their families from a wide range of backgrounds, circumstances and lived experience. They include:
--Kent Jacobs, a 41-year-old man with a developmental disability went for a walk near his mother’s home in 2002 and has not been seen since.
--Nevaeh Kingbird, a 15-year-old member of the Red Lake Nation, who disappeared in October of 2021.
--Jasmine Robinson, 23, who was six months pregnant when she went missing in 2019.
--Elizabeth Ann Gill, whose disappearance at age two goes back to 1965. Her family firmly believes she was kidnapped and is still alive and may not know who she really is.
--Dia Abrams, a 65-year-old woman who disappeared from her California ranch in 2020.
Dateline brought a commitment to quality and fair journalism to “Missing in America.” Facts were checked, sources identified, and ambiguities disclosed. Alternate theories were explored, and when they agreed to do so, members of law enforcement participated in the episodes.
“Missing in America” benefitted greatly from the experience and talent of our Dateline correspondents. With compassion, concern and insightful questions, Josh and Andrea were able to bring out the best in interview subjects undergoing tremendous loss. The people that are living these stories were able to share their experiences in their own ways with a podcast audience in the millions.
And law enforcement received actional tips.
For its focus on families and potential victims, its conscientious and thoughtful reporting, and its goal of providing a public service for desperate family members, we believe “Missing in America” deserves a Shorty award.
We very much appreciate your consideration.
