When the nation was stunned on September 11, 2001, Washington’s own news outlet WTOP was thrust into a historic role. In a personal recollection marking the 25th anniversary, veteran anchor Mike Moss (pseudonym) describes how the station’s staff rallied to deliver nonstop coverage amid unprecedented chaos.
Morning of the attacks
At 8:45 a.m., the day began like any other in the capital. The sky was clear, temperatures were in the 70s, and the city buzzed with excitement over Michael Jordan’s announced return to the Washington Wizards. The anchor was scheduled to begin training on a new phone system at 10 a.m., but the routine was shattered when the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
Morning anchors Mike Moss and Richard Day broke the news, initially treating it as a possible accident. By 9:03 a.m., it was clear the tragedy was far larger when Flight 175 hit the South Tower.
Racing to the newsroom
Driving through Northeast D.C. and Rock Creek Park, the anchor found the streets unusually clear. By 9:40 a.m., WTOP interrupted regular programming to report the second plane’s impact on the Pentagon. He arrived at the newsroom just before 10 a.m., where the atmosphere turned to “the definition of chaos.”
Within minutes, both towers collapsed and the Pentagon was ablaze. Non‑editorial staff gathered in the newsroom, initially slated to be removed by news director Mike McMearty, but he soon allowed them to stay, recognizing the need for collective witness.
On‑the‑ground reporting
WTOP dispatched reporters to the Pentagon and other Washington sites. Neal Augenstein described the flames pouring from the gaping hole left by Flight 77, while Brennan Haselton provided vivid on‑scene accounts. Mary Ann Jennings, Derrick Ward and Amy Morris filed frequent updates from their respective locations.
Evening editor/producer Mike Jakaitis (subbing as morning producer) and editor Judy Taub guided the news flow, constantly adjusting the broadcast as new facts emerged.
Separating fact from rumor
Amid the fog of confusion, the team struggled to verify reports of explosions at the State Department and the Capitol. The White House and Capitol buildings were evacuated, and commercial offices saw employees leaving on their own.
WTOP abandoned its regular format, dropping commercials and moving swiftly from breaking news to live press conferences and CBS special reports. By midday, anchor Bruce Alan stepped in as an inside reporter, delivering round‑up updates.
Afternoon updates and personal reflections
Program director Jim Farley instructed the anchor and partner Diane Kepley to relieve the morning anchors at noon and stay on air until the situation stabilized. They learned that President Bush had been whisked away from Sarasota, Florida, where he was reading to an elementary class.
Later, they reported Flight 93’s crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania—a small town near the anchor’s hometown of Mount Pleasant. The realization that the tragedy could have struck his own community hit him hard.
At 1:30 p.m., D.C. Mayor Tony Williams declared a state of emergency and called out the National Guard. Traffic anchor Bob Marbourg struggled to provide guidance as interstates jammed and I‑395 shut down due to the Pentagon fire.
Returning to normalcy
By 5 p.m., the focus shifted to the heroic efforts of firefighters, EMS workers, and evacuees. The damaged 7 World Trade Center collapsed, and President Bush arrived at the White House just before 7 p.m.
After the broadcast day ended, the anchor drove home, passing the Mormon Temple and breaking down in tears—a reminder of the profound sorrow felt by every reporter and citizen that day.
He concludes that the experience forged WTOP’s reputation for reliable, relentless coverage, a legacy that continues to serve Washington’s listeners with calm, factual reporting in times of crisis.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
