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25 years on, they haven't forgotten. How 9/11 changed these TV journalists' lives
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- On Sept. 11, 2001, journalists covered the terrorist attacks without smartphones or social media, relying on television and traditional reporting to deliver the unfolding tragedy to the nation.
- Fox News anchor Bret Baier was redirected to cover the Pentagon attack and later became a Pentagon correspondent, a role that shaped his career and perspective on American patriotism and military reporting.
- CBS correspondent Byron Pitts initially underestimated the severity of the attacks but soon realized their magnitude, leading to an Emmy-winning report and a career that included major roles at CBS and ABC News.
- MSNBC’s Chris Jansing balanced professional reporting with personal emotion during the attacks, an experience that reinforced her commitment to journalism and connection to New York City.
- WABC’s NJ Burkett narrowly escaped death during the collapse of the World Trade Center and subsequently took on dangerous international assignments, using his work to cope with the trauma of 9/11.
- MTV’s Carson Daly and the “Total Request Live” team faced challenges returning to air after the attacks, using their platform to reflect the somber mood of viewers and honor the tragedy, while navigating their role as entertainers during a national crisis.
