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Student Reporter Attacked in City Violence 40 Years Ago Shares His Story

By Mark Scott

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-694199.mp3

Buffalo, NY – Forty years ago today, Buffalo was gripped by violence, just like many other cities following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. And a student reporter at that time literally carries the scar from that violence.

Jim Bala was a student at the University at Buffalo in April 1968. Back then, students held roles at WBFO that are handled by professionals today. Bala was the station's news director. And when violence broke out on Buffalo's East Side, he went out to cover it. And he's reminded of what happened that day every time he looks in a mirror.

Jim Bala joined us on the phone to look back at what happened 40 years ago. Click the "listen" icon above to hear Mark Scott's interview now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.