NAB Marks 25 Years Since 9/11 With Broadcasters

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 3:12pm CT

NAB Marks 25 Years Since 9/11 With Broadcasters

The National Association of Broadcasters is marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a new episode of its "AirTime" podcast examining the role local broadcasters played during the attacks and their continuing responsibility during emergencies.

The episode features longtime NBC4 Washington news anchor Jim Handly, who was reporting from downtown Washington, DC, on September 11, 2001. With cell phones and other communications unavailable, Handly recalled that broadcasters relied on two-way radios and over-the-air radio to follow developments and keep the public informed.

"We had a responsibility. We had to be a voice of calm," Handly said. "We had to get information as we were getting it out to people."

The podcast also features David Paine, president and co-founder of 9/11 Day, which encourages Americans to commemorate the anniversary through acts of service.

"Local radio stations can be a critical partner in supporting what we're trying to do for 9/11 Day," Paine said, adding that the initiative asks Americans to pledge to perform a good deed on September 11.

NAB said local broadcasters continue to play a role in providing communities with timely information during crises while also sharing stories intended to support remembrance and community connection.

The association has also compiled examples of local broadcasters' reporting from September 11, 2001, along with coverage of annual commemorations since the attacks. The full "AirTime" episode is available through NAB and podcast platforms.

Read the full NAB blog post here.