The Story of Marty Metzer’s 9/11 Story

I’m hoping you’ll read every word of the incredible backstory by #martymetzer of how the Miami Herald covered the nation’s most epic human tragedy story of the last two decades.

Something we tend to forget when hurricanes or terrorism or epidemics or crime or war bear down on us — journalists double-down on dedication in pulling together the most comprehensive data possible while still being affected directly by the event. It’s a tough vow to cover the story and yet not become the story itself.

“This is the only story I ever wrote that made me cry.” — Marty Metzer, Miami Herald Senior Writer

I think we see less of that today, where thinly defined journalists seek as much attention for themselves as they do for the story they are assigned or, in case of investigative journalism, seek out. Marty’s is a back story you’ll rarely ever get to read. So, I’m grateful he put it out there.

I have two observations, inspired by Marty’s post:

First: It’s crucial to have journalists on the ground when a story breaks at a national level; indeed #elinorbrecher was in NY for a fashion story and ended up sharing a byline with Marty and becoming a most valuable resource once communication was restored. It’s costly to do so. I worked for years at the Miami Herald and other Knight-Ridder papers…