Abstract

CSJ-09-0013.0 This text+video case asks students to engage in a difficult calculus: report on deadline about a disaster when the causes are unclear. On November 12, 2001, two months and a day after the terrorist attacks of September 11, American Airlines Flight 587 leaving Kennedy Airport went down in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York. Newsday was the predominant local paper, and its website—NewYorkNewsday.com was headquartered in Queens—became the go-to place for information about the crash. Internet News Manager Amanda Barrett was on duty, charged with updating the Web account every 5-10 minutes. She had to juggle conflicting accounts from reporters on the scene with announcements of closures of airports and New York-area roads, bridges, and iconic buildings. The overriding question: Was it terrorism or an accident? Newsday editors differed on what to call it, and when. Despite this background chaos, Barrett’s job was to make her updates measured, calm, and accurate.

Students should read the background text in advance of class. The case itself takes place in real time in the classroom through video clips of those at Newsday who covered the plane crash for NewYorkNewsday.com. After a brief video which sets the scene, students at the discretion of the instructor (who controls which clips to play) will have a chance to hear from Newsday reporters and editors about the online coverage that day. Students can discuss the special challenges of reporting accurately and fully on an unfolding disaster without triggering unnecessary panic in the public. They can debate the responsibility of news organizations during an emergency. Also, students should consider what happens if editors disagree.