A Life Devoted to Getting the Story Right: Al Baker Reflects on His Career

In this episode, PERF Executive Director Chuck Wexler speaks with Al Baker, who currently serves as the director of communications for the New York State Unified Court System.
 
The son of a lieutenant in the NYPD Emergency Service Unit, Al initially pursued journalism instead of following his father into policing. After three years with the New York Daily News and four with Newsday, Al spent nearly two decades reporting for the New York Times, including more than 10 years as the police bureau chief.

In 2019, Al joined the NYPD as the executive director of media relations. Last October, he moved to the New York State Unified Court System. In that role, Al was responsible for navigating press access to the six-week criminal trial for former President Donald Trump. 

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