“There is the taste of cement dust in this book…Strung together the quotes become a record of news broadcasting as an organic, breathing, sometimes choking process that no amount of planning can predict.”

--- Tom Long, Television Quarterly

Covering Catastrophe:
Broadcast Journalists Report
September 11

This raw and compelling book chronicles the events of September 11th through the first-hand accounts of the broadcast journalists who were reacting to the unfolding tragedy at the same time they were struggling to report it. Covering Catastrophe includes more than 130 personal reflections from nationally recognized television and radio journalists. Among them:

• Tom Brokaw
• Ann Compton
• Bob Edwards
• Ron Insana
• John King
• Larry King
• Cynthia McFadden
• Dan Rather
• Jon Scott
• Brian Williams
• and the late Peter Jennings

These intimate, eyewitness recollections provide an historically accurate look into what broadcast professionals in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, and those covering the President of the United States, experienced that infamous day. The book was ultimately made into a documentary by the U.S. State Department and was distributed to embassies and consulates worldwide.

All royalties from the sale of Covering Catastrophe are being donated to 9/11 charities.

Praise and Reviews:

“…riveting personal accounts…”
Liz Smith, New York Post

“Covering Catastrophe overflows with heartfelt eloquence… This extraordinary book lets broadcasters tell the behind-the-scenes story of September 11 in their own words.”
Carl Sessions Stepp, American Journalism Review

“[Covering Catastrophe]…gives haunting accounts of professionals trying to cope with and describe the horror that was unraveling before their eyes…The most personal accounts, recollections, fears and raw emotions come from some of the most recognizable faces in the media”
Tom Jennemann, The Hoboken Reporter

“…the book depicts the extraordinary collective effort of a profession often ridiculed for being exploitative and sensational.”
Teresa Akersten, The Montclair Times

“This book was excellently executed. I found myself shaking, crying, and holding my breath while reading parts of it. The stories were informative, touching, but not overly sentimental. I feel this book will stand the test of time as a document to the events…”
Marsha Timblin, The Record-Argus

“Opening with the prelude “A Clear Blue Sky” and closing with nightfall, this book...ably documents the workings of broadcast journalism in a crisis and illustrates the dedication and professionalism of journalists at a crucial moment in American history.”
-- Library Journal