On the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, YouTube serves as a fascinating time capsule for news coverage from that day, during which shocked anchors documented the national tragedy in real time.
American Airlines Flight 11 was flown by a terrorist into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m. ET on that day, and it was the first signal for news broadcasters to pivot to live coverage.
On New York’s local NY1, Pat Kiernan had just wrapped his popular “In the Papers” segment when the feed switched to a live shot of the smoking World Trade Center.
During CBS’ “The Early Show,” Jane Clayson hosted the show’s “Week of Wishes” segment before Bryant Gumbel broke in to share his first news update.
NBC had “Today” anchors Katie Couric and Matt Lauer spearhead breaking analysis.
“Fox and Friends” coverage was preceded by a backstage look at Matchbox 20 on tour, a sobering reminder that the day began just like any other.
Nearly 3,000 victims were killed in the attacks, with thousands more estimated to have died as a result of health issues tied to the aftermath.
For the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, the networks are planning comprehensive coverage and tributes, including a special edition of “Fox and Friends” with Brian Kilmeade, Ainsley Earhardt, Steve Doocy and Lawrence Jones; CNN is planning live commemorative coverage; ABC News will have segments from David Muir, Robin Roberts and Diane Sawyer; and Michael Strahan hosts the Hulu documentary “9/11: United We Stand — 25 Years Later.”
Watch the Sept. 11, 2001, broadcasts below.
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