In our continuing coverage of the radio industry’s reporting on the historic events in Washington, DC this week, we turn to CBS Audio Network Vice President & General Manager Craig Swagler, who explains to us how things went down, and how his team stepped up, in his own words.
“The protests on the hill started to show that it was more than an organized demonstration after 1 PM Eastern. In preparation for the Joint Session of Congress counting the electoral votes for President we were already on the air with Special Reports three times an hour at :20, :31 and :50 past the hour.
“As the events on The Hill started to evolve, we knew that this was turning into a violent event and so we started preparations to go to wall-to-wall coverage. We took air with wall-to-wall anchored coverage at 2:53pm. CBS News White House Correspondent Steven Portnoy anchored our coverage with Steve Dorsey who was inside the Capitol and was caught in the unfolding story.
“CBS News Reporter Zach Hudak joined our broadcast live from inside the house chamber. CBS News Political Analyst Lenny Steinhorn joined our broadcast as well. We had live hits from Face The Nation moderator Margaret Brennan with first reports she had confirmed that President Trump’s Cabinet was considering the 25th amendment.
CBS Report Stacy Lyn More covered the White House and CBS News CBS News Correspondents Allison Keyes and Cami McCormick anchored our Special Reports from the Nation’s Capitol. Our reporters joined us by phone, Zoom, FaceTime, Broadcast IP lines and any way we could get them on the air.
“Many of the CBS News Correspondents and staff were in harm’s way Wednesday. Steve Dorsey was sheltering as the rioters were breaching the Capitol. Under the Capitol Police direction he was later evacuated from the Capitol to safety. A clip of Steve Dorsey sheltering here.
“It was a night for the history books and CBS News was on the frontlines. January 6th was a true test of our Democracy and the Republic. Our team is the best in the Radio Broadcast Business. Our quick response is a credit to our staff. Many folks jumped in on their day off to make sure CBS News Radio provided accurate, timely, and compelling coverage. We run to the fire and bring the truth to America. As people continue to seek affirmation, CBS News provides unbiased information. I am incredibly proud of the great work we do.
“When CBS News Radio DC Bureau Exec. Editor Steve Dorsey showed up to the Capitol Building Wednesday morning, he knew he had a hectic day ahead of him with the outcome of the Georgia Senate race still in the balance and the contentious certification of president-elect Biden’s electoral college victory looming.
“Little did he know he would be locked in the House Radio and TV Correspondents Gallery as armed pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol.
“Sheltering in place at the direction of the Capitol Police, Dorsey provided minute-by-minute coverage of the Insurrection at the Capitol to CBS News affiliates.
“White House Correspondent Steven Portnoy, meanwhile, went on-air with live wall-to-wall coverage detailing the unprecedented events that occurred today.
“In addition, CBS News Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan provided exclusive reporting and insight into today’s events.
“CBS News Radio provided coverage through 11pm ET.”
