October 2006

Ken Burns Explores 9-11 on Kalb Report

When and how the events of 9-11 and other major news stories make the transition from headlines to history were the subjects of The Kalb Report, GW’s award-winning broadcast series, held on the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns joined moderator Marvin Kalb for an hour-long conversation of the distance necessary—in time and emotion—before placing monumental events in historical perspective.

In front of a standing-room-only audience of more than 500 students and journalists at the National Press Club, Burns said he would wait 25 years before making a documentary on 9-11. He also discussed his upcoming film on World War II, explored how Americans’ identity has evolved from the Civil War to today, and touched on the nation’s history of racism.

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