On December 6, 2001 the National Academy of Engineering and the Foundation for American Communications (FACS) held a conference for news executives at the Reserve Officers Association in Washington, D.C.

The conference provided print and television news editors with a context for framing stories on terrorism and defense. A range of experts?including Governor Tom Ridge, Director of Homeland Security?discussed how to determine risks we face and how to evaluate our preparedness and response to attack.

AGENDA

Introduction/Welcome

The Context of Terrorism in America
Anthony H. Cordesman, Senior Fellow, Strategic Assessment, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Analyzing and Evaluating the Threats
Wm. A. Wulf, Ph.D., President, NAE

Assessing the Real Risk of Terrorism
Baruch Fischhoff, Ph.D., Professor of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University

Keynote
Governor Thomas Ridge, Director, White House Office of Homeland Security

Reporting the Story – Scenario Discussion:

Biological
Peggy Hamburg, M.D., Vice President for Biological Programs, Nuclear Threat Initiative; former New York City Health Commissioner
Nuclear
Richard L. Garwin, Ph.D., Philip D. Reed Senior Fellow for Science and Technology at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York
Cyber-terrorism
Jeffrey Hunker, Ph.D., Dean, H. John Heinz School of Public Policy and Management, Carnegie Mellon University and Senior Director for Critical Infrastructure of the National Security Council from 1996-2000.
Infrastructure
Jeremy Isenberg, Ph.D., President and CEO of Weidlinger Associates, Inc.
 
Framing the Story: Practical Ideas for Journalists
Moderator: Jeff Cowart, Senior Vice President of Programs, FACS
A moderated discussion among faculty and journalists focused on practical reporting ideas.