PBS longform journalism series “Frontline” and ESPN’s investigative series “Outside The Lines” are partnering up to investigate concussions in the NFL.
The series kicks off today with a segment on “Outside The lines” at 3 PM, focusing on the career and death of Hall of Famer Mike Webster. Online companion stories and podcasts will be available on the ESPN and “Frontline” websites, including “Concussion Watch,” a website which will track each confirmed concussion during this year’s NFL season.
The partnership will culminate in Fall, 2013 with a “Frontline” documentary on the subejct, as well as a book written by ESPN reporters Steve Fainaru and Mark Fainaru-Wada.
“’Frontline’ has been distinguished by high-quality investigative reporting for many years,” said Vince Doria, ESPN’s senior VP and director of news in a statement. “For ESPN and ‘Outside The Lines’ to partner with the unit on such an important story, and to bring two of our strongest enterprise reporters to the effort, is a rare opportunity, and we believe it will result in some ground-breaking work.”