KXAN launches weekly investigative program ‘Cause & Effect’

KXAN in Austin, Texas, has launched “Cause & Effect,” a weekly investigative program hosted by reporters Josh Hinkle and Arezow Doost.

The half-hour program airs Fridays at 4:30 p.m. and expands on the station’s investigative reporting by examining how major stories developed, what caused them and what could happen next.

Hinkle, KXAN’s director of investigations and innovation, said the program is designed to move beyond the initial reporting and give viewers additional context about issues affecting Central Texas.

“This show is all about peeling back the layers of the stories you think you know,” Hinkle is quoted as saying in a story announcing the program on the station’s website. “We’re not just reporting — we’re having real conversations about the issues that affect your lives.”

The program draws on reporting from KXAN’s investigative unit, which has received honors including Investigative Reporters & Editors and National Edward R. Murrow awards.

Later, KXAN announced that Ann Pierret has joined the station’s investigative team and will contribute to the program. She comes to Austin from KRQE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have also worked at WJRT in Flint and WILX Lansing, Michigan.

News director Haley Cihock said “Cause & Effect” will also give viewers a closer look at how the station conducts its investigations and allow reporters to continue developing stories after their initial publication.

“These stories don’t end when we hit ‘publish,’” Cihock said. “They beg for more exploration.”

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KXAN Vice President and General Manager Eric Lassberg said the program will provide another outlet for the station to expand on investigations it considers significant to the community.

Additional coverage will be available through extended “Inside the Investigation” segments and the “KXAN Investigates Podcast.” Episodes can also be streamed through the KXAN+ app on connected TV platforms.

Updated to reflect the hiring of Ann Pierret.