Vanguard is a television documentary series broadcast on the Current TV television network. Vanguard reported on such issues as the environment, drugs and the effects of globalization and conflict. The focus of most Vanguard episodes is to explore and immerse viewers in global issues that have a large social significance. Unlike sound-bite driven reporting, the show’s correspondents conduct interviews with affected peoples and the regions involved usually being led by a guide and translator who facilitates access. Since Vanguard's subject matter often involved exposés about organized crime, drug trafficking and armed revolts, the correspondents can face significant danger because of their reporting due to unstable political or security situations. Vanguard has received some of the media industry’s highest honors for journalism, including the 69th Annual Peabody Award, given for excellence in electronic media, and the 2010 Television Academy Honor, which recognizes "achievements in programming that present issues of concern to our society in a compelling, emotional and insightful way." Vanguard has also been awarded the 2009 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award and the 2009 Livingston Award and was nominated four times for a news and documentary Emmy and for a sports Emmy®.
Self defense or getting away with murder? “Vanguard” returns tonight as Christof Putzel examines controversial “stand your ground” laws in America.
In this excerpt from “Vanguard,” correspondent Christof Putzel speaks with Billy Roper, a leader of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. Roper now resides with his family in Harrison, Ark., considered an epicenter for the modern-day Klan. Putzel briefly traces the evolution and history of the Klan in Harrison, and interviews Roper about why he decided to move there, and his plans for keeping the town a white majority.
