American Television’s Live Coverage of the 9/11 Attacks: Journalism on the Screen

The book analyzes the narratives and news coverage of 9/11 across ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and Fox News, examining the quality of live journalism and the consequences of differing styles of communication among anchors and journalists. It reveals how television coverage shaped the cultural meaning, collective memory, and language of 9/11, continuing to resonate throughout American culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2024
Publisher: Lexington Books

The book "9/11 and the News Media: The Day that Changed Everything" analyzes the narratives and news coverage of 9/11 across five major American television news networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and Fox News. The author, Paul Arras, argues that the experience of 9/11 was complex and chaotic due to the unique difficulties television journalists faced during the event. By examining the media coverage of that morning, Arras assesses the quality of the live journalism, highlighting key differences in the television experience for audiences watching different networks and observing the consequences of differing styles of communication among anchors and other journalists. Arras approaches 9/11 as a unique television experience in American history, locating and identifying the building blocks of America's memory of 9/11 while revisiting many dramatic television moments that have been forgotten. Ultimately, the book reveals the ways in which television coverage shaped the cultural meaning, collective memory, and language of 9/11 in ways that continue to resonate throughout American culture.

The book begins by examining the historical context of 9/11 and the role of television news in shaping public perception. It then analyzes the coverage of the event by each of the five networks, focusing on the key moments, images, and narratives that were presented to the public. Arras highlights the challenges that television journalists faced during the event, including the lack of access to information, the pressure to report quickly, and the need to maintain a sense of calm and order in the face of chaos.

One of the key findings of the book is that television coverage of 9/11 was highly influential in shaping public opinion. The networks presented a range of perspectives and narratives, and the way in which they framed the event had a significant impact on how the public understood it. For example, ABC News focused on the heroism of the passengers and crew of Flight 93, while NBC News emphasized the tragedy of the attacks and the need for a response. CBS News, on the other hand, presented a more balanced view of the event, highlighting the political and social implications of the attacks.

The book also examines the impact of television coverage on the victims and their families. Many of the families of the victims were interviewed by television journalists, and their stories were broadcast to the public. Arras argues that the coverage of the victims' stories was often insensitive and exploitative, and that it contributed to the public's perception of the attacks as a tragedy.

In addition to the coverage of the event, the book also examines the role of television news in shaping public policy. The networks played a significant role in the debate over the response to the attacks, and their coverage of the political and social implications of the attacks had a significant impact on public opinion. For example, ABC News's coverage of the Bush administration's response to the attacks was highly critical, while NBC News's coverage of the Clinton administration's response was more supportive.

The book also examines the impact of television coverage on the media industry. The attacks of 9/11 had a significant impact on the media industry, and the networks were forced to adapt to new technologies and new ways of reporting the news. Arras argues that the coverage of the attacks led to a greater emphasis on live journalism, and that this has had a positive impact on the quality of the news.

However, the book also identifies some negative consequences of television coverage of 9/11. One of the most significant is the way in which the coverage of the attacks has been used to promote fear and anxiety. Arras argues that the coverage of the attacks has been used to justify the use of military force and to promote a sense of insecurity among the public.

In conclusion, "9/11 and the News Media: The Day that Changed Everything" is a comprehensive and insightful book that analyzes the narratives and news coverage of 9/11 across five major American television news networks. The book argues that television coverage of 9/11 was highly influential in shaping public opinion, the impact of television coverage on the victims and their families, the role of television news in shaping public policy, and the impact of television coverage on the media industry. While the book identifies some negative consequences of television coverage of 9/11, it also highlights the positive impact that television coverage has had on the quality of the news.

Weight: 553g
Dimension: 236 x 159 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666932638