What Clayton Vaughn did to Robert Joffe at KOTV

A new book is coming out about what Clayton Vaughn did to Robert Joffe at KOTV in Tulsa:

"Death of a News Anchor"

~An untimely end for a promising journalist~


By Merritt Youngdeer, Jr. and Gary L. Richardson

~Introduction~ Robert Joffe was still alive back in 1990. He was a young, handsome and talented up-and-coming TV news anchor at the CBS affiliate in Tulsa. He was planning marriage and his proud parents were elated and so too were his SMU college buddies and former teachers. Things were looking up for Robert Joffe, but there were those around him who wished him harm. Within a year, a concocted story about a one night affair with a gay hairdresser would be circulating at the station where he worked and at another station a few miles away. He would ultimately lose his job and his life. Many were saddened at the news of his death, while others were not. Who concocted this unexpected scenario? And the big question is why? A portion of a lawsuit that was initiated before his death survived him and his widow carried on with the fight. A war of words ensued while TV, radio and newspaper reporters held a watchful eye. Even national media attention followed. A cast of characters ranging from an aging local news personality to a flamboyant hair dresser and influential TV executives were photographed by the media entering the courthouse. Daily, spectators took every seat in the gallery. Compelling and conflicting testimony was entered into the record. But just who would the jurors believe? What story would they buy? In Oklahoma, not unlike most other States, when a party who meets his death after having filed a lawsuit for defamation of character, the death results in the defamation suit being dismissed. It dies with the person. Subsequently at least seven million dollars of the lawsuit evaporated upon Joffe's death, thus ultimately benefiting the defendants. Still, just enough jurors sided with Joffe's widow and awarded her $2.0 million for the intentional infliction of emotional distress, another $2.0 million in punitive damages. With interest, the award totaled $5.9 million after all appeals were exhausted. That was nearly twenty years ago. Those involved have moved on with their lives and a whole new generation of TV viewers have never heard the story about a promising young journalist named Robert Joffe who lived, loved and died suddenly. And today, would events have turned out differently if they had not happened back in the late 80s and early 90s? Was Robert Joffe killed? Or, did he commit suicide? Why wasn't an autopsy done? You be the judge.

PREFACE QUOTES:
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 15:4 Now that I have left you, for awhile, please remember me and try to smile. And for my sake, and in my name, live on and do all things the same. -Averell Harriman

Copyright © 2009
Merritt Youngdeer

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Robert Joffe
• KOTV
• Clayton Vaughn
• Tulsa

[myoungdeer]

So, who do you believe??????????

[myoungdeer]

I have held off on publication of "Death of a News Anchor" as important new developments in the Joffe case continue to surface. Few people know the whole story. Once you know, it will knock your socks off! In the mean time, I welcome any and all comments.

Regards,

MERRITT

[hapbarb]

Perhaps the "monster" is the one who would try to make $ off this sad story, then plug his book on youtube.

[myoungdeer]

I would like to take this opportunity to let you know that Robert Joffe's father tells me my book is helping him to heal, especially since Robert's mother died grieving for her son a few years ago. I must also tell you that I have the cooperation of the Joffe family and of many of his friends. Yes, this is a sad story and it needs to be told... I am a journalist and am doing what all good reporters endeavor to do: provide factual and relevant information to the public. -MERRITT

[hapbarb]

I remember what a bastion of credibility "A Current Affair" was; while it would be indistinguishable from the sewer that is today's TV/cable news, it was the launching pad for Bill O'Reilly - `nuff said.

[myoungdeer]

Back in the day, some people thought the same thing about the Washington Post with regard to President Nixon... but Kay Graham and Ben Bradlee proved them wrong. It is also worth noting that all of the RELEVANT parties to the Joffe case participated in the "Current Affair" broadcast and that MOST of them have participated my book, with one exception in both cases: Clayton Vaughn.

[myoungdeer]

The book will be headed to the publisher in November...

[MikeMarani]

@stanh4464

Robert Joffe was a 1982 Graduate of the Youth Performing Arts School and also Dupont Manual High School in Louisville, KY. He was an amazing talent and an awesome friend.

[lovelylusciouslethal]

@hapbarb much agreed barb poster is notorious for his own maliciousness and harmful rumors

[rhymeister]

Has the book come out yet? And I heard "Sayton" Vaughn is now part of Tulsa Historical Society....wonder if he will try to twist the history of this tragic incident in his favor. Karma should be coming for a visit soon...just saying.

[adgirl0714]

As a journalism student at Oklahoma State University, I secured a summer internship at KOTV and met Robert Joffe. He was inspiring, professional and kind. I truly thought I would see him on the network nightly news one day.  I was shocked and saddened by all of this! I am interested in the book - please keep us posted...

[greggariouspdx]

I lived in Tulsa for many years and Robert was a neighbor I knew slightly. I also knew drug-addled Mark Bogatay and have no doubt he made the story up. KOTV and Clayton Vaughn are completely liable here. Robert was no Brian Williams, but for a small market he was fine. It's ironic that KOTV fired Robert but hired the truly incompetent Beth Rengel and Leslee Turnbull. Rengel was previously fired from two Tulsa stations for cursing on the air ! I am glad Pamela won her case !