Ridge: media must prepare for terrorist acts.

• Author: Pappalardo, Joe
• Position: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge - Brief Article

Acknowledging that the news media art: a vital nexus of the nation's information awareness, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge implored reporters to be prepared for terrorist events.

"Similar to other first responders, members of the media rush toward danger, not away from it," he told media representatives at a Chicago roundtable. "But there may be a time when your audience needs more than the story."

Ridge told reporters and editors that their reactions could make the difference between life and death during an attack. "They may need information beyond the 'who, what, why, where and how' that could be critical to minimizing damage and saving lives," Ridge said. "We can help educate each of you so that in the event of an attack, you can react immediately."

The Radio-Television News Directors Association, which co-hosted the workshop with the National Academy of Sciences, advised its members to pre-assign beats and specific responsibilities in the event of a number of attacks.

Since the...