Virginia Tech Shootings: The First 48 Hours

On April 16, 2007, television viewers throughout the world watched in horror and sadness as the story of the shootings at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University developed. No organization covered the events at Virginia Tech more precisely and thoroughly or provided to its most immediate local viewers more detailed information than WSLS. On the first day of these events, the station broke away from local coverage only for a brief 20-minute connection to NBC Nightly News. Returning to heavy coverage on the morning of the second day, the station resumed total coverage at noon and continued until midnight. Facts were carefully checked. Sources of information were provided. In moments of distress and potential panic, local news organizations become more than information centers for their viewers. They become sites of connection and community. For providing all these—clear information, continuous connection, and a deep sense of responsibility to a community—WSLS receives a Peabody Award.