As our nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, this week’s episode of NAB’s AirTime podcast reflects on the indispensable role local broadcasters played that day and the responsibility they carry in moments of crisis.
Jim Handly, longtime news anchor at NBC4 in Washington, D.C., was reporting from downtown Washington on September 11, 2001. With cell phones and other communications unavailable, Handly and his colleagues relied on two-way radios and free, over-the-air radio to understand what was unfolding and keep the public informed.
Looking back, Handly says the mission that guided broadcasters then remains just as important today:
“We had a responsibility. We had to be a voice of calm. We had to get information as we were getting it out to people.”
The episode also speaks with David Paine, president and co-founder of 9/11 Day, about turning a day of tragedy into a nationwide movement of service. “Local radio stations can be a critical partner in supporting what we’re trying to do for 9/11 Day,” Paine said, “because in the end, all we’re really asking Americans to do is to make a pledge to do one good deed on 9/11.”
You can see more examples of local broadcasters’ reporting on 9/11 during the attacks and commemorations each year since at WeAreBroadcasters.com/Remembering911. Then and today, local broadcasters are ready to provide their communities with the up-to-date information they need and to share stories to help bring their communities together in a time of healing and remembrance to honor those affected by this historical event.
Listen to the full episode of AirTime now on the NAB website or wherever you subscribe to podcasts.
