Albuquerque Journal
   
Sunday, September 23, 2001

Security Rules Ground News Choppers

By Barbara Chavez
Of the Journal

        There's no complaining about local news helicopters' noise levels these days. The helicopters, like many other aircraft, have been grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration upon orders by the National Security Council.
        All three local stations with helicopters attended a meeting Thursday regarding their use.
        KRQE-TV news director Dan Salamone said he and other news directors in town would like to be able to use the helicopters to cover the upcoming Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, as well as other news across the state.
        "I think the FAA could change things at any time given approval by the National Security Council," he said. "Then, once we do get approval, we are going to have to find out how close we'll be able to get to the balloon fiesta."
        The rule in place right now by the FAA is that there are no aircraft of any kind within three miles of a gathering of 3,000 or more people.
        FOOTAGE LIMITED: Television networks have changed their tone when it comes to reporting on the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C.
        Understandably, the first week was mostly rolling video showing the planes crashing into the World Trade Center, and then more video of people in panic after the attack. Stations had every imaginable angle on tape and they gave viewers what they wanted, which was to witness the horrible acts for themselves.
        But by Monday, television networks were showing less of the crashes. They began playing patriotic music to go with video of relief efforts at ground zero at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
        Throughout the week, they moved toward more optimistic video and music to go with that video. NBC's coverage even included an up-beat rock 'n' roll version of "We Shall Overcome," to accompany video showing children playing and smiling and newborn babies, to help Americans regain a sense of optimism and a message that life goes on.
        Locally, there were signs that things were changing, too.
        Channel 13's Salamone sent out a memo to his staff on Monday that read: "Beginning today we will no longer show the video from the first day of the attack on New York or Washington."
        It went on to state that the station would not show the aircraft hitting the second tower, the collapse of the towers, the smoke from the fires and the panic immediately after the fires.
        Salamone said, "I don't see any compelling journalistic reason to keep showing these images."
        However, he also left the station an out, should news developments require that they go back to the video. "There may be legitimate reasons to show these images, and decisions for its use will be made on a case by case basis," said Salamone.
        At KOAT-TV, Channel 7, news director Pahl Shipley, said "wallpaper" video of the crash was not being used by the second week of the coverage.
        "But if it is used in context that relates to that story, we'll use it," he said. "Obviously, we're very sensitive to the effect this video can have on people. It has affected all of us."
        KOB-TV, Channel 4, sent reporter Mark Horner to New York to find the "New Mexico Connection" to the attacks, choosing to highlight relief and recovery efforts as well as tell the stories of victims and survivors. Horner spent six days at the site interviewing many people who have ties to New Mexico.
        "It's almost like the coverage has mirrored the steps of grieving," said KOB news director Chris Berg. "We were stunned, shocked and denying what was going on. Then we were angry and now we want to know what's next."
        TOUGH ACT TO FOLLOW: Most Americans tuned in to hear President Bush's speech Thursday night, either on television or on the radio.
        KKOB-AM (770) broadcast the speech live on the radio. So, how difficult was it for University of New Mexico football coach Rocky Long to go on the air at KKOB immediately after the president's speech Thursday night and talk football?
        "I acknowledged that it was a hard act to follow," said Long, whose "Lobo Talk" radio show is each Thursday from 6-8 p.m. "I know we didn't have any callers. But I was only on the air for about 15 minutes after the speech and then the show was over."
        Long said he basically told listeners that the terrorist attacks had affected his players, but that he thought it was time to get back on the field.
        "Hopefully, the game (Saturday night) will give people, especially Lobo football fans, a chance to take a two-hour break from these events. We know how difficult all this is for Americans."
        KKOB has been broadcasting news since Sept. 11, and only this week resumed its sports talk shows.
        OLD GLORY GIVEAWAY: Citadel Communications in Albuquerque gave away more than 25,000 American flags Wednesday and raised money for the "America Unified" relief fund at the same time.
        The fund has surpassed $180,000, according to Citadel general manager Gayle Shaw.