NBC Internal Investigation of the Apparent Gross Mis-Editing of the George Zimmerman 911 Tape

(Eugene Volokh)

Erik Wemple (Washington Post) reports:

NBC told this blog today that it would investigate its handling of a piece on the "Today" show that ham-handedly abridged the conversation between George Zimmerman and a dispatcher in the moments before the death of Trayvon Martin. A statement from NBC:

"We have launched an internal investigation into the editorial process surrounding this particular story."

Here's what appears to be the Today show's version of what Zimmerman said:

Zimmerman: This guy looks like he's up to no good. He looks black.

Here's what appears to be the actual 911 transcript:

Zimmerman: This guy looks like he's up to no good. Or he's on drugs or something. It's raining and he's just walking around, looking about.

Dispatcher: OK, and this guy — is he black, white or Hispanic?

Zimmerman: He looks black.

Unless there's something I'm missing here, the editing seems extremely improper ("high editorial malpractice," in the Washington Post blogger's words). I say this not to opine on the merits of any possible criminal case against Zimmerman; this particular point isn't about him, but about NBC.