Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Tom Brokaw) Report introduced.

(Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Jim Avila) Concerns about whether smaller communities are prepared for terrorist attacks examined; scenes shown from several smaller communites. [Clinton, IL, resident Mary Alice HUGHES - says she pays attention to threats but does not take them too seriously.] [Paul HUGHES - says the terror warnings are creating chaos and fear.] [Ford International Airport operations director Robert BENSTEIN - says a terror attack can happen anywhere.] [Ft. Lauderdale, FL, police OFFICER - says people will complain whether a terror threat is released or not.] [Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, commissioner Paul THIBAULT - says he has to release terror threat information as soon as possible.]

(Studio: Tom Brokaw) Report introduced.

(New York: David Bloom) Questions about the effects of a terrorist attack on communication systems examined; scenes shown of firefighters on September 11. [New York City fire commissioner Nicholas SCOPPETTA - says there have been some improvements, but not enough.] [IXP Corporation director of consulting Ted DEMPSEY - says radios will be an issue.] [Representative Jane HARMAN - says removing some television channels could help communications.] [Former New York City Fire Commissioner Thomas VON ESSEN - says those who do not do everything they can should be ashamed.]

(Studio: Tom Brokaw) Exclusive NBC interview held with Office of Homeland Security director Tom Ridge. [RIDGE - says the broadcast has highlighted both progress and weaknesses in security; talks about his job; says the Homeland Security advisors have gone a good job; talks about the reorganization of the FBI.]