Investigative Reporter at NBC LA / Florida State University alum
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Articles by Jenna Susko
'Not Fair': Insiders Say Hospitals Favor Rich and Famous
It’s no secret that celebrities get the best tables at restaurants and the royal welcome at shops and hotels. But several patients and insiders tell the I-Team that hospitals are giving the "rich and famous" preferential treatment as well, and claim it could impact your medical care at the most critical times.
Hollywood Tours Investigation: Groupon Takes Down Ads
As a result of the NBC4 I-Team series exposing lies and dangers on some Hollywood celebrity tours, Groupon is taking action. The online coupon site has removed all of the advertisements and is offering customers refunds. A two hour celebrity tour, before a discount, goes for as much as $60 a person. It all stems from an NBC4 investigation, which began in 2015. The team found guides taking customers through the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills, making up where many celebrities live.
Long Hours on SoCal Production Sets Putting Lives at Risk, Crewmembers Say
Many jobs require long hours. But entertainment industry insiders claim that the grueling shifts demanded on Southern California production sets are putting their lives – and those of other Southern Californians -- at risk. The threat, they tell the I-Team, occurs after a shoot ends, when exhausted crewmembers climb behind the wheel for what can be a long drive home from the set.
Interactive: Can You Spot the Newest Advertising Tricks?
Now that you can easily skip through traditional television commercials, advertisers are finding creative new ways to get their brands on your radar. A recent survey* found that 76 percent of people use their digital video recorder ("DVR") and/or ad blocking software to avoid commercials on television and online. A total of 68 percent of those surveyed admit to remembering fewer than five advertisements that they've seen in the past week.
Why You Can’t Get Tickets
Cyber criminals are blocking your attempts to purchase good seats to concerts and games at a reasonable price, and California's legal attempt to stop them appears to be failing, the I-Team has learned. A growing number of online scalpers are using "ticket bots," automated computer applications that can hold, then purchase, hundreds of tickets the second they go on sale at primary sale sites.
Why You Can't Get Tickets
Cyber criminals are blocking your attempts to purchase good seats to concerts and games at a reasonable price, and California's legal attempt to stop them appears to be failing, the I-Team has learned. A growing number of online scalpers are using "ticket bots," automated computer applications that can hold, then purchase, hundreds of tickets the second they go on sale at primary sale sites.
Stunt Performers Protest Oscar Snub
Action-packed blockbusters bring in millions at the box office, captivating audiences around the world. Yet, the men and women who create those memorable movie moments are shut out from receiving one of the greatest honors in Hollywood: the Academy Award. For 26 years, stunt coordinator Jack Gill has tried to convince the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to add an Oscar category for stunt coordinators.
Hollywood Conservatives Keep Quiet on Trump Victory
Filmmakers and celebrities who disapprove of President Donald Trump haven't shied away from expressing their opinions in the media since the election. But some entertainment industry professionals who are pleased with the new administration are opting to stay quiet. The I-Team previously reported on the reluctance of Hollywood conservatives to share their political views in the months leading up to the election, fearing backlash in an industry famous for its liberal tilt.
Are Hollywood Budget Pressures Creating Dangers on Set?
Hollywood's new financial reality is creating more safety hazards on film and TV production sets, entertainment industry insiders tell the NBC4 I-Team. The number of serious on-set accidents reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has risen in recent years.
Movie, TV Crews Describe Fear of Reporting Safety Hazards
Some Hollywood production crews are seeing more dangerous behavior on movie and TV sets, but say they're reluctant to speak out for fear of jeopardizing their careers. The number of serious on-set injuries reported to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has risen in recent years, though industry insiders tell the NBC4 I-Team that many accidents go unreported. The I-Team sat down with five crew members who have worked on major TV shows and movies.
Are Hollywood Budget Pressures Creating Dangers on Set?
Hollywood's new financial reality is creating more safety hazards on film and TV production sets, entertainment industry insiders tell the NBC4 I-Team. Jenna Susko reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, 2016.Published 35 minutes ago
Neighbors Demand Action After I-Team Exposes Hollywood Tour Dangers
Neighbors and local business owners are challenging city and state leaders to address dangerous and deceitful behavior by Hollywood tour van operators. A town hall meeting held at the American Legion Hall Auditorium in Hollywood on Wednesday night came in response to an NBC4 I-Team undercover investigation that exposed some tour van operators driving recklessly in unsafely modified vehicles, and lying to unsuspecting tourists about the locations of celebrity homes.
New Push for Oversight of Hollywood 'Open Air' Tour Vans
A Los Angeles assemblyman on Monday introduced new legislation in Sacramento that would create new, stricter oversight of the Hollywood celebrity tour van industry. The proposal by Adrin Nazarian (D-Sherman Oaks) comes after an NBC4 undercover investigation raised serious questions about the safety of the popular "open top" vans that carry thousands of tourists into the star-studded neighborhoods of the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills every week.
I-Team Finds Businesses Cashing in on Neighborhood 'Blight'
Los Angeles businesses are profiting from a new kind of advertising blitz that some residents claim is creating visual blight across the city. Marketers are paying local business owners to place ads for movies, television shows and music on large construction walls that surround their property. But the I-Team found that in some cases, the permits required to erect the walls and post the ads, have been obtained in violation of the L.A. Municipal Code.
Stars Scared to Support Pot Prop?
Despite the growing number of celebrities who are willing to admit to using pot, few are coming forward to publicly support California's Proposition 64. Prop 64 would legalize marijuana for adult recreational use. While California voters rejected similar legislation in 2010, recent polls suggest most voters will support the legislation when they head to the polls on Nov. 8.
Behind-the-Scenes Bias in Hollywood
Two years after the "#OscarsSoWhite campaign raised awareness of the lack of minorities in lead acting roles in Hollywood, many Industry observers are praising the diversity represented in the 2017 awards season. But some insiders tell NBC4 that discrimination remains a career-limiting reality for minorities seeking work on crews that operate behind the scenes.
Are Hollywood Budget Pressures Creating Dangers on Set?
Hollywood's new financial reality is creating more safety hazards on film and TV production sets, entertainment industry insiders tell the NBC4 I-Team. The number of serious on-set accidents reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has risen in recent years.
Hollywood Hiring Investigation Could Take Years
The federal government has been investigating allegations of discrimination in the hiring of female film and television directors for a year, but any announcement regarding the results of the inquiry could still be a long way off, the I-Team has learned. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) launched its probe last October, at the request of the American Civil Liberties Union.
'Star Wars' Actor Mark Hamill Takes on 'Dark Forces' of Autograph Industry
One of the most recognizable stars from the big screen will make a rare appearance before news cameras on Tuesday to talk about a crime that is costing his fans big money. Mark Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the "Star Wars" film series, sat down with the NBC4 I-Team at his Malibu home to give us an inside look at who is profiting off his fame, before the announcement.
'They Shouldn't Be Transporting Passengers': Federal Government Warns Hollywood 'Topless' Tour Van Operators
The federal government is now investigating one of the most famous tours in the world because of an NBC4 investigation. The I-Team series documented potential safety hazards of Hollywood tour buses, including showing how some seatbelts have been modified or removed altogether. The series also looked at how the buses have been customized so that they are "topless," leading experts and officials to question their ability to protect passengers in the event of an accident.
New Safety Questions About 'Topless' Hollywood Tour Vans
They appear to be unique to Southern California: convertible passenger vans that carry thousands of tourists every week to see the notable landmarks and celebrity homes of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Now tour industry insiders, automotive experts and state officials are raising concerns that riding in those vehicles could be putting riders' safety in jeopardy.
Hollywood Tour Trouble
The NBC4 I-Team spent months going undercover to expose the hidden dangers of Hollywood tours.
Hollywood Tour Operators Ignoring Government Warning
Nearly three weeks after the federal government urged more than two dozen Hollywood celebrity home tour companies to stop using open-air vans due to serious safety concerns, the I-Team has found these businesses are continuing to operate as before. NBC4 went undercover to expose how many tour guides drive recklessly and provide inaccurate information about the location of celebrities' homes.
Hollywood Tour Trouble Part 2: Safety Concerns
It’s one of those "Only in LA" experiences: hopping aboard an open-air tour that promises to drive you to the doorsteps of celebrity homes. The NBC4 I-Team first exposed many Hollywood tours make up where stars live, leading to some unhinged fans stalking the real homeowners. The I-Team has now found those tours aren’t just misleading, some are dangerous.
Hollywood Tour Trouble
It’s nearly impossible to miss the tour buses lining the street along Hollywood Boulevard. Maybe you’ve been on one, or suggested that visiting friends take a ride to see the sights and drive by the million dollar mansions of the stars. While Hollywood tour vans promise to give you some movie star history and an insider glimpse of their glamorous homes, the NBC4 I-Team has found many of the Hollywood tours are selling a steady stream of lies.
Film Academy Diversifies Leadership With New Governors
The results are in in a battle for power that could impact the future of the Academy Awards. The Academy has announced the winners in the race for the Academy of Motion Pictures' Board of Governors. Despite the recent push for inclusion – triggered in part by the #oscarsowhite movement – the I-Team found the diversity of the board isn't changing dramatically: There will now be three African American governors, instead of one – and the number of female governors actually dropped from 18 to 17.
Major Hollywood Studio Accused of Deceiving Millions of Fans
A major Hollywood studio is accused of deceiving millions of fans and the government is cracking down because of it. The Federal Trade Commission says Warner Brothers Home Entertainment misled consumers by failing to clearly disclose it paid popular online "influencers" thousands of dollars to post positive reviews of one of its video games. Earlier this year, the NBC4 I-Team uncovered many social media personalities aren't properly disclosing the fact that they're being paid to endorse products.
Hollywood Conservatives May Feel Forced to Keep Quiet
Wednesday night, Donald Trump will appear at a private Los Angeles fundraiser, and while you may not see many big names from the world of entertainment on the RSVP list, hundreds of industry professionals may be silently rooting him on and hoping no one ever finds out. That’s because they hold the kind of conservative political opinions they believe could make them Hollywood outcasts. “I see Trump as a guy that thinks of big ideas.
Tommy Lei Discusses Lifestyle Blog MyBelonging
The latest news video reports from NBC4 TV. News clips, Channel 4 news reports, video from KNBC and sports, entertainment and political reports from NBC Southern California.
Native Advertising on Social Media Accounts Raises Market Questions
Instead of magazines, many shoppers now look to social media outlets like Instagram and blogs for the latest fashion trends, beauty products and vacation destinations. Known as “social influencers,” bloggers targeting these consumers can rake in hundreds of thousands of dollars for drawing likes on social media.
Residents 'Very, Very Angry' With Neighborhood Filming
A new tax incentive boost has pushed Hollywood location shoots to record levels in Los Angeles, but it's also triggering a spike in complaints from residents who say production crews are repeatedly taking over their neighborhoods. Since Summer 2015, a total of $330 million in taxpayer subsidies have been offered to help the film and television industry, in an effort to counter years of runaway production.
Hollywood Not Honoring Anti-Smoking Pledge: Lawsuit
A movie star with a cigarette is a visual the film industry has promised to limit, especially when it comes to younger audiences, but a new lawsuit claims major movie studios, and other big Hollywood players, are breaking that promise. From a post-depression Pinocchio to a pumped-up Brad Pitt, Hollywood’s biggest names have smoked on the big screen for decades. In the kid movie “101 Dalmatians” smoking played a big role.
Porn Industry Uses Airbnb, Rental Houses for Filming
Nearly four years after Los Angeles County passed new requirements for pornographic performers, the porn industry has spread to nearby counties like Ventura County — and much of that filming is happening in residents' homes with or without their knowledge, the NBC4 I-Team has learned. Private citizens believe their home is being rented out for a few days — perhaps never knowing it's become the set of a raunchy pornographic title.
LAPD Insiders Say Terror Preparedness is 'Smoke and Mirrors'
The Los Angeles area is not ready for a terrorist attack due to a lack of training, equipment and confidence, several Los Angeles Police Department insiders told the NBC4 I-Team. The members of the LAPD's Metro Division, tasked with everything from solving major crimes to counter-terrorism, told the I-Team they are frustrated by what they called the appearance of readiness. Their identities were concealed because they said they fear retaliation.
How Award Screener Piracy Impacts Hollywood
Online piracy is often blamed for ruining a film's box office success or even costing many in Hollywood their jobs. But a week before Hollywood's biggest award ceremony, how big of a problem is piracy? Quentin Tarantino's latest Oscar contender "The Hateful Eight" is now playing in theaters - but it's also streaming online for the world to see. LAPD insiders say terror preparedness is "smoke and mirrors." Jenna Susko reports for NBC4 News on Feb. 12, 2016. (Published Saturday, Feb.
The Truth About Hollywood's Walk of Fame
It's stone in a sidewalk known around the world, but behind the scenes it's about cash, movie release dates and advertisements. Many fans believe a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame is the result of talent, hard work and dedication to the arts. Between 20 and 30 celebrities claim their section of fame every year, and while a committee chooses recipients from hundreds of applications each year, the stars aren't gifted. They are bought for $30,000 each.
Some Celebrities Demanding Gun Reform Star In Violent Films
Hollywood isn't shy about using its voice, especially after mass shootings in Isla Vista and San Bernardino — but there is another side of Hollywood that makes reckless gun violence a big attraction at the cinema. Entertainment has never been shown to cause any shootings, but there is concern from some that it's glorifying or even normalizing gun violence. We found many celebrities calling for change are themselves involved in violent entertainment.
Hollywood Films, Viral Videos Close Freeways In LA County
Battling traffic is a reality in Southern California, frequently made worse by accidents and construction. But sometimes, drivers sit in traffic from film crews shooting movies and YouTube videos. Hollywood shuts down parts of Southern California freeways about twice a month — sometimes on busy stretches like the 105 Freeway toward Los Angeles International Airport. But how is that filming benefiting drivers? In a city known for traffic difficulties, finding the right route has become a punchline.
Hollywood Films, Viral Videos Close Freeways In LA County
Battling traffic is a reality in Southern California, frequently made worse by accidents and construction. But sometimes, drivers sit in traffic from film crews shooting movies and YouTube videos. Hollywood shuts down parts of Southern California freeways about twice a month — sometimes on busy stretches like the 105 Freeway toward Los Angeles International Airport. But how is that filming benefiting drivers? In a city known for traffic difficulties, finding the right route has become a punchline.
High-End Designers Cited for Importing Protected Animal Products
Some of the most well-known fashion designers in the world have been caught violating international laws, an NBC4 I-Team investigation has learned. Federal documents show some prominent designers have been cited and fined in connection with the import of animal products – many of them protected and requiring a special permit. The items seized by the U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife often end up in a warehouse and, eventually, some are shredded or thrown into an incinerator to be destroyed.
LAUSD to Implement Stricter Screening Process for Filming at Public Schools
This article is part of ongoing coverage of this story. You can see all of the investigative series here. After two weeks of reviewing filming guidelines and policies, the Los Angeles Unified School district is making changes. Film crews applying to film at one of LAUSD's properties will face stricter rules for the type of content that may be filmed, and potential fines on crews who film questionable content that is not approved by the district in advance. LAUSD announced Oct.
LA Public Schools Weigh Lucrative Film Shoots Against Teaching
This is the second of two stories on the impact of Hollywood filming on Los Angeles public schools. The first story is available here. UPDATE: LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines Thursday suspended all commercial filming at LAUSD schools pending an examination of the policies, a day after the first part of this story aired.
LAUSD Rents Out Schools for Racy Entertainment
Citing limited budgets and a need for additional funding, Los Angeles Unified public schools have embraced Hollywood dollars. To those in the entertainment industry, LAUSD properties offer a premium convenience: beautiful elementary, middle and high school campuses that can be dressed up as any school in America, as they have for films like "Drillbit Taylor" and "Mother's Day".
Water Districts Cite Celebrities For Water Use During Drought
Deep in the worst drought in more than a century, citizens all across the state of California have been told if they waste water, they will be fined. But NBC4 has learned some celebrities in Southern California may not be cutting back, despite warnings and fines for violating water regulations. The dwindling water supply has led many homeowners to let their lawns turn brown, or for Calabasas resident Raymond Lobjois, to just get rid of it all together.
Filmmakers Claim 'Harry Potter' Lifted Ideas From Their 1986 Film
An entertainment attorney claims script theft is "stock and trade of what Hollywood is all about" By Jenna Susko and Matt Schrader Published Jul 29, 2015 at 5:09 PM | Updated at 12:06 AM PDT on Jul 30, 2015 With millions of people in the entertainment industry, there are always going to be people who have similar ideas, but at what point does it become theft?
Private Health Info Lost, Law Provides No Recourse
Even though online hacks and security breaches have become regular headline news, other, more traditional data privacy issues are still a threat. The NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit has found when it comes to workers’ compensation, holding companies accountable for information security can be challenging. When Don Thorvund unexpectedly got hurt on the job, he went through the proper channels to get treatment through a workers’ compensation claim.
Bay Area Hospitals Not Ready for Quakes
A 1973 law was supposed to make sure all California hospitals were earthquake-proof but the deadlines continue to move ahead. Now, more than a third of critical Bay Area hospitals are in danger of collapsing in a strong earthquake. Many hospitals across California are not ready for an earthquake. Some have not made necessary upgrades to their buildings in decades, and state law doesn’t require them do so for another five years.
Farmers Spray Pesticides Near Schools with No Notifcation Required
Many parents across the Bay Area have no idea what's happening near their children's schools, and often times schools don't know either. NBC Bay Area's Jenna Susko reports in a story that aired November 21, 2014 Wineries and vineyards dot the landscape of Livermore with brand new homes and schools popping up right next to them. It’s this picturesque atmosphere that drew Paola Reyes to the East Bay town. “We thought, ‘this is Livermore.
Mayor's Fuzzy Math Claims San Jose Gang Crime Down
San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed says gang related crimes have dropped 70% this year, but what he's not telling the public: he's just comparing two months of the year. Reed spoke about the decrease in gang crime Friday morning at his gang task force meeting. "It's a national model for a reason, because it works," said Reed about San Jose's gang task force reducing crime.
Santa Clara County Department Director Fired After NBC Investigation
The Santa Clara County Director of Child Support Services is no longer in charge. The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to remove John Vartanian from the position in A closed session yesterday. The county announced the decision in today’s public board meeting. It comes just weeks after NBC Bay Area’s Investigative Unit exposed Vartanian gained personal travel rewards from county-funded trips.
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