Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times

Quick Links

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/10/fed_fema_fakeconference/
news/2007/10/fed_fema_fakeconference

FEMA stages fake press conference



Posted : Friday Oct 26, 2007 14:48:15 EDT

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s deputy administrator, Harvey Johnson, had an unusually friendly audience at an Oct. 23 press briefing on his agency’s response to the California wildfires: his own spokesmen.

FEMA drafted at least four of its employees to play the part of reporters at a hastily called press conference when no members of the press showed up, spokesman Aaron Walker said. No reporters showed because FEMA announced the press conference only 15 minutes before it began. All reporters could do was call in on a telephone line that did not allow them to ask questions.

As a result, Johnson took questions like, “Are you happy with FEMA’s response so far?” from agency spokesmen Mike Widomski, Cindy Taylor, Pat Philbin and Ali Kirin.

Walker distanced himself from the decisions made, saying he had returned from dropping California-bound FEMA Director David Paulison off at the airport less than half an hour before the briefing began. He did not know why the press conference wasn’t pushed back when it was obvious no reporters would show, or who made the decision to pose FEMA officials as reporters.

The questions asked by FEMA officials were compiled from questions reporters had been asking the public affairs office earlier in the day, Walker said.

Walker expressed regret for the deception, which was first reported by the Washington Post, at least five times during a five-minute interview with Federal Times on Oct. 26.

“Do we need to apologize? Absolutely,” Walker said. “This is clearly something we’re not happy about. We won’t allow it again.”

Contests and Promotions

Service Members Of The Year


promo Your Vote Counts!
The nomination period for the 2009 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award is closed? Return here the week of July 9th for the announcement of winners.

Win a Montague Paratrooper® Tactical Folding Mountain Bike


promo Enter To Win...
Win the Grand Prize: Montague Paratrooper® Tactical Folding Mountain Bike. Originally crafted for the U.S. Special Forces. FIRST PRIZE: Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool. 50 Winners!

Marketplace

Military Times Gear Shop


Converse  8 Sage Green Composite Safety Toe Boot Converse 8 Sage Green Composite Safety Toe Boot
Authentic Converse® athletic fit, comfort and performance with tactical design and non-metallic safety toe.

Price: $122.99

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.