Despite my last blog post, I was generally pleased after observing how ABC News covered the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Below is a detailed account of what I witnessed over the past three days.
Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011:
When I originally viewed ABC News, the main story centered around the possibilities of a repeat terrorist attack attempt. However, the original link has been redirected. Now in its place is an updated version about the lack of evidence that al-Qaida was planning another attack on Sept. 11, 2011.
Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011:
I woke up on Sunday at the same time the first plane hit the North tower ten years ago. I immediately turned on the three hour news special about 9/11 on ABC television. A dream team of journalist consisting of George Stephanopoulos, Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric and others welcomed American's everywhere on the anniversary of such an infamous day. There were many "now and then" stories such as a a follow-up piece with all the children who were unborn when their father's died in the terrorist attack. Similarly, there were various before and after photographs and videos. Two of the most impressive musical moments were Paul Simon's acoustic performance of "The Sound of Silence" and a moving slideshow set to Beyonce's "I Was Here." Overall, I was very pleased with the extended news special on the television, and the online content mirrored that success.
Monday, Sept. 12, 2011:
This morning, 9/11 was still the main story on the ABC News homepage. Tonight, however, 9/11 coverage has been dialed down substantially. Currently, the main article on the homepage is about the GOP and illegal immigration. There are still a few featured stories regarding 9/11, the most important article focusing on President Barack Obama remembering 9/11.
With the passing of such a momentous anniversary, I wonder if there will be another large event like this in the future. It would be interesting to see if American's continue to devote three hour television specials to such a historical day decades from now. I have hope that American's will keep their promise and "never forget."
Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011:
When I originally viewed ABC News, the main story centered around the possibilities of a repeat terrorist attack attempt. However, the original link has been redirected. Now in its place is an updated version about the lack of evidence that al-Qaida was planning another attack on Sept. 11, 2011.
Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011:
I woke up on Sunday at the same time the first plane hit the North tower ten years ago. I immediately turned on the three hour news special about 9/11 on ABC television. A dream team of journalist consisting of George Stephanopoulos, Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric and others welcomed American's everywhere on the anniversary of such an infamous day. There were many "now and then" stories such as a a follow-up piece with all the children who were unborn when their father's died in the terrorist attack. Similarly, there were various before and after photographs and videos. Two of the most impressive musical moments were Paul Simon's acoustic performance of "The Sound of Silence" and a moving slideshow set to Beyonce's "I Was Here." Overall, I was very pleased with the extended news special on the television, and the online content mirrored that success.
Monday, Sept. 12, 2011:
This morning, 9/11 was still the main story on the ABC News homepage. Tonight, however, 9/11 coverage has been dialed down substantially. Currently, the main article on the homepage is about the GOP and illegal immigration. There are still a few featured stories regarding 9/11, the most important article focusing on President Barack Obama remembering 9/11.
With the passing of such a momentous anniversary, I wonder if there will be another large event like this in the future. It would be interesting to see if American's continue to devote three hour television specials to such a historical day decades from now. I have hope that American's will keep their promise and "never forget."