1999

Last Updated on: 6th July 2025, 08:47 pm

In 1999, Los Angeles TV newscasts were covering a wide range of local and national stories, often blending crime, entertainment, politics, and major societal issues. Here’s a rundown of some of the notable stories that made it onto LA newscasts in 1999:

🔹 Major Local & Regional Stories (Los Angeles Area)

1. Rampart Scandal (LAPD)

• One of the biggest local stories of the year.

• Involved widespread corruption in the LAPD’s Rampart Division: officers accused of planting evidence, framing suspects, excessive force, drug dealing, and cover-ups.

• Dozens of convictions were overturned as a result.

• Heavily covered by all LA stations (e.g., KTLA, KNBC, KABC, KCBS).

2. El Niño Aftermath & Weather-Related Damage

• The strong El Niño pattern from 1997-98 had lingering effects; 1999 newscasts often focused on flood recovery, mudslides, and storm preparedness.

• Local stories featured hillside collapses and insurance disputes.

3. Los Angeles Homelessness & Housing Crisis

• LA’s growing homeless population and rising housing costs were regular features on the evening news.

• Local leaders debated solutions, and news stations aired investigative segments on Skid Row and affordable housing.

4. Y2K Preparations

• As 1999 wound down, news outlets focused on fears that computers would malfunction at midnight on January 1, 2000.

• LAX, emergency services, banks, and utilities were all covered for readiness.

5. Hollywood and Celebrity Legal Troubles

• Robert Downey Jr. was arrested again on drug charges.

• LA newscasts followed the courtroom drama closely due to public fascination with celebrity downfalls.

🔹 Major National Stories Covered by LA News

1. Columbine High School Shooting (April 1999)

• Though it occurred in Colorado, LA newscasts covered it heavily.

• Sparked local discussions on school safety, bullying, and gun laws.

• LAUSD schools responded with increased security.

2. John F. Kennedy Jr. Plane Crash (July 1999)

• Extensively covered by LA media due to national interest and Kennedy family legacy.

3. Clinton Impeachment Trial (January–February 1999)

• LA stations carried coverage of the Senate trial following the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

🔹 Pop Culture & Entertainment Stories

1. “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” Release

• Huge media frenzy in LA, with coverage from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre where fans lined up for days.

• Entertainment and news segments blurred.

2. Death of Stanley Kubrick (March 1999)

• Covered in entertainment segments due to LA’s connection to the film industry.

3. Woodstock ’99 Fallout

• Though in New York, LA news featured reports on the violence and chaos at the music festival, linking it to broader cultural debates.

🔹 Traffic, Fires, & Daily Staples

• Regular coverage of SigAlerts, wildfires (especially in Malibu and Griffith Park areas), and car chases — a staple of LA TV news.

• Morning and evening newscasts included freeway congestion, Metro updates, and CHP reports.

Anchors from 1999 (Hal Fishman on KTLA,  Paul Moyer on KNBC)

Todd Donoho Leaves KABC7