Journalists Reflect on Covering 9/11

Emotional Memories from September 11, 2001

Pat Harvey of CBS LA News reflected on her memories of September 11, 2001, revealing the emotional impact of the day. While recalling the events, she confessed, “I’m actually shaking a little bit right now.” Her late evening and 11 p.m. newscast includes her recounting being awakened by a phone call from her husband, learning of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

Harvey is not alone in these emotional reflections. Colleen Williams of NBC4 and former Fox 11 anchor Steve Edwards also grapple with memories of rushing to their newsrooms to report on the unprecedented events. Students and others watched live television coverage of New York City’s skyline on that fateful day, trying to process the unfolding horror.

“Everyone at the station had the same face — a shocked face, almost hollow,” said Williams. “We just couldn’t comprehend the enormity of it.”

Steve Edwards, with experience in significant historical events, said, “There’s really no comparison to whatever events I had covered before.”

Duties as Journalists Amid Personal Fears

The journalists detailed how they managed professional responsibilities while dealing with personal fears. “It’s a very pleasant job, but at a moment like this, you’re covering one of the most horrific events ever,” said Edwards. Harvey recalled her phone ringing at 6 a.m., signaling the beginning of a harrowing day.

Her husband called to alert her to the unfolding events. Harvey had to maintain composure, knowing she had a job to do. Her concerns extended to family, including a daughter in high school and a sister with special needs. Her husband reassured her about safety as U.S. airspace was shut down, reducing the West Coast threat.

Entering the Newsroom

Walking into the newsroom brought a modicum of comfort for Harvey. “The atmosphere was electric,” she recalled, describing the busyness and camaraderie among colleagues. She vividly remembers the first newscast being somber, given the situation’s gravity. “We didn’t quite have all the answers,” she noted.

Despite the atmosphere of upset, Harvey emphasized the collective sigh of relief when planes resumed flights. However, emotional tolls lingered as she struggled to turn off the news coverage when at home.

Williams: Realization of Terrorism

Williams, similarly awakened by a call, had to balance professional duty and personal concerns. Her husband, a pilot, informed her of the situation in New York. The realization of a terrorist attack came as more details emerged. She had concerns for her brother, also a pilot, whose location was initially unknown.

The obligation to remain calm in delivering news weighed heavily. “I remember thinking that day, ‘I don’t know how to do this,’” Williams said, as she navigated reporting under immense stress.

Edwards: A Day of Controlled Chaos

Steve Edwards experienced the day as “controlled chaos,” recalling when his colleagues informed him live of the second tower’s collapse. This moment underscored the challenges of conveying live, unprecedented events without unnecessary speculation.

The tragedy led to temporary unity across the country, noted Edwards. However, he is mindful such unity can be fleeting.