Remembering 9.11

I'm struck by a few things watching the coverage of the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11. I think that this is probably the first major news event covered by our 24/7 media outlets that have almost instant coverage of breaking news. Because of that there is an abundant amount of media footage including touching video and photography that take you back to that day.

I think that we all saw the media coverage that day at some point or another. It makes me wonder why so many media outlets feel the need to remind us of the minute-by-minute developments of the day? CNN even played their media footage in real time on their website. I resisted the urge to check it out but while watching Anderson Cooper 360 tonight they took me through the whole day. Is there anyone that doesn't already know how the day unfolded? Perhaps this was a bit too much.

The other thing I noticed is that there is all this discussion about Osama bin Laden. It seems interesting to me that all these reporters seem to be at places where they think bin Laden lived (or may even still be hiding). Anderson Cooper said he is reporting from somewhere near where this guy is thought to be hiding. How does CNN and ABC get to be purportedly so close to him and the greatest military in the world can't seem to find him? I'm really confused.

I hate for Accidental Plan to get so political but today has really been an interesting case study for me as a media wonk. At the end of the day though, most television stations and coverage have provided solemn and respectful coverage. Even more importantly, we should all take time to remember those who have given their lives protecting our country here and abroad and those who died in those horrible attacks five years ago.