CBS’ 48 Hours to Feature Station Fire—Derderians Discuss Upcoming Show

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

GoLocalProv News Team

 

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Show is scheduled for Saturday night on CBS.

This coming Saturday night the CBS newsmagazine 48 Hours is scheduled to run a full 60-minute episode looking at the Station Fire in Rhode Island on February 20, 2003, which killed 100 and injured more than 200 others.

The new investigation was in part a result of the book by Scott James titled Trial by Fire: A Devastating Tragedy, 100 Lives Lost, and a 15-Year Search for Truth.

The book uncovered new facts and challenged some of the reporting at the time. In 2020, James unveiled that a former Providence Journal reporter and Brown faculty member -- Tracy Breton -- threatened legal action against him.

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READ ABOUT THE INTERACTION BETWEEN JAMES AND BRETON AND HEAR THE VOICEMAIL RECORDING

GoLocal asked Michael and Jeffrey Derderian, the co-owners of the Station, why they agreed to be interviewed for the 48 Hours segment and to discuss other matters.

 

GoLocal: How did this interview with 48 Hours come about and why did you agree to do it?  

Michael Derderian: The interview with 48 Hours came about as a result of the new book, Trial By Fire, which we were asked to participate in to answer outstanding questions, as we have said we would do all along, so that all of the facts, not just some of them would come out. Given the fact that it will be an hour-long program, we felt it would give as much information as possible as opposed to a 30-second sound bite on the evening news or a different show that does not share the journalistic standards that CBS news does.  

 

GoLocal: What was the arrangement with the CBS, specifically when did the interview take place, where was it, and were you in any way compensated?

Jeffrey Derderian: The interview took place in February of this year at the Hilton Hotel in Providence.  All Covid-19 protocols were followed including social distancing during the interview which lasted approximately 9 hours. There were no conditions set by us including what could be asked. No question was off-limits and we did not see a list of questions before the interview.  

We received no compensation for our interview with 48 Hours and that also goes for the book.  We received no compensation for participating in the book and we will receive no compensation whatsoever from the sale of the book.  

 

GoLocal: You have avoided doing press for the years. Why this interview and why now?

Michael Derderian: In court, Jeffrey and I both said we would do everything we could to ensure that all of the outstanding questions, not just a few, about our roles in this terrible tragedy, were answered.  We felt this long-form interview would allow for the most information - and it also includes some incredible stories of survivors who have suffered so much and continue to inspire people with their amazing strength, as you will see in the 48 Hours broadcast.  The book took over 10-years to publish which we feel is factually accurate and it was the book being published that then lead CBS to approach us. 

 

GoLocal: What do you hope it accomplishes?  

Michael Derderian: We think both the book and the 48 Hours interview will give a more complete understanding of what really happened in the days and weeks leading up to that horrific night.  Perhaps people will read the book and watch the interview and then come to their own conclusion on what really happened -- and did they get the full story from the government.  

 

GoLocal: There are certain victims and families who will always blame you and your brother. Do you think this show will do anything to heal some of the feelings?

Jeffrey Derderian: Our only goal is to provide answers and as much information as possible for people to come to their own conclusion on what really happened.  We know there is nothing we can ever say to ease the pain and loss for people and we are sorry what happened that night.  There is never closure for people, but, perhaps, new information and evidence that was hidden from the public provides a better idea of what actually happened.  

 

GoLocal: Do you speak to any of the victims of the fire today?

Jeffrey Derderian: There are people who were directly affected by the fire that we speak with often.  Many of the people there that night were our friends and their families too.  One particular person who was severely injured wanted to meet us in person and we were so grateful for that opportunity, which shall remain private. But we talked for close to 2hours and it was so humbling to hear their story - and we thanked them for even allowing us to tell them in person that we are sorry for what happened to them and the person just agreeing to meet with us was just so incredibly generous of them.  

 

GoLocal As we understand, you have not seen the 48 Hours show before airing. What is the most important thing you said that you hope does not get cut out of the show?

Michael Derderian: When we agreed to talk, 48 Hours was in complete control of the process. We had zero editorial content or say in anything about how the story would be told or what they would include.  The most important thing from our point of view is that the show be fair and provide the most accurate accounting of what happened that night  - and also to let the country see just how hard first responders worked to save people, and how strangers put themselves in harm's way to help people.  Rhode Island knows it but the world needs to know it. 

To be as transparent as possible, we will have a Facebook page set up the night of the broadcast where people can ask us questions directly @ Station Nightclub Answers.  There will also be documents the public has not seen before and other materials along with extended interviews with us answering more questions.  

 

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