Attorney Franz Borghardt joined “Mornings with Brian Haldane” this week to discuss the state’s $4.8 million settlement with the family of Ronald Greene and the growing concern over one-sided reporting in today’s media landscape.
The conversation focused heavily on how wrongful death settlements are calculated. Borghardt explained that the number is not based only on future income or earning potential. He said factors like emotional loss, litigation costs, state exposure, and the length of the case all influence settlement negotiations.
Borghardt argued the settlement likely reflected concerns from the state about the risk of losing at trial. He also pointed out that the case stretched across several years, which increased costs and added pressure to resolve the lawsuit.
During the discussion, Haldane questioned whether the settlement amount felt too low or too high for taxpayers. Borghardt responded that a “good settlement” usually leaves both sides feeling like they gave up something. He added that the agreement also carries a punitive effect against the state, even if the officers involved are not personally paying damages.
The conversation later shifted toward media ethics and accountability. Borghardt criticized what he described as one-sided reporting and social media-driven journalism that prioritizes clicks over full context. He argued that some independent reporters fail to present both sides of sensitive stories, especially in emotionally charged cases involving custody disputes or allegations of abuse.
Haldane and Borghardt also discussed the difference between traditional journalists and online commentators. Borghardt praised established outlets like CBS News and “60 Minutes” for allowing facts and interviews from both sides to shape the story rather than relying on sensationalism.