The Paley Museum to Examine the Vital Role of Media During the September 11 Attacks
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
9/11 Through the Media Lens: 25 Years Later will Convene Leading Journalists, Photographers, and Historians Who Reported on the Events of that Unforgettable Day
Early Access Tickets with Discounts Now On Sale to Paley Members
New York, NY, August 26, 2026 – As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, The Paley Center for Media announces that it will host, in collaboration with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a special program featuring key figures who experienced the events of that historic day. 9/11 Through the Media Lens: 25 Years Later, will take place on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 pm at The Paley Museum in Midtown Manhattan.
“The events of September 11 were among the most consequential in our nation’s history, forever reshaping American lives and global affairs. Media played a significant role in documenting the attacks as they unfolded, creating a lasting record that continues to educate future generations,” said Maureen J. Reidy, President & CEO of The Paley Center for Media. “As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks draws near, we are honored to present this timely program examining media’s extraordinary role during
this defining day.”
The evening will bring together journalists, historians, and photographers who covered the events firsthand, as well as those who later documented, analyzed, and reflected on that tragic day. The conversation will explore their personal experiences and perspectives, how news was reported across media platforms in 2001, how reporting has evolved in the decades since, and why preserving these firsthand accounts and reflections remains essential to informing future generations.
Joining in this important conversation are Pat Kiernan, Morning Anchor, NY1 News; Nina Pineda, Consumer Reporter, 7 On Your Side, WABC -TV; Matthew McDermott, Photojournalist; Jonathan Capehart, Co-host of The Weekend on MS NOW, Political Analyst of PBS News Hour, Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist and New York Times Bestselling Author; Barbie Zelizer, Professor of Communication at the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School for Communication and Co-editor of Journalism After September 11; and moderator Paula Zahn, Host & Executive Producer of Investigation Discovery’s newsmagazine, On the Case with Paula Zahn.
During the program The Paley Museum will present selections from its renowned Paley Archive documenting the events of 9/11 and its aftermath, including archival news coverage from around the world, video from documentaries, and other programming examining the events and their impact. The 9/11 Collection in the Paley Archive brings together coverage from broadcasters across the globe, offering perspectives on 9/11 through the lens of different cultures. The 9/11 Collection also includes recordings of public seminars examining the media and September 11, beginning in February 2002.
The Paley Archive is the largest publicly accessible collection of its kind, featuring more than 160,000 programs. Visitors can also explore the Paley Archive during the Museum's regular hours, offering unparalleled access to what has often been referred to as a national treasure. The collection is also available at The Paley Archive at the Beverly Hills Public Library.
Among the initiatives the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is undertaking to mark the 25th anniversary, the Museum is inviting journalists who covered September 11 to share their firsthand recollections through TheirStory, an online collection platform. These accounts will preserve the press’s perspective as part of the Museum's oral history archive, alongside those of survivors, responders, and family members, creating an important record for future generations.
9/11 Through the Media Lens: 25 Years Later takes place during The Paley Museum’s milestone 50th anniversary year, which kicked off with the grand reopening of its newly renovated state-of-the-art theaters and reimagined public spaces. The Museum continues to serve as a vibrant cultural hub and a welcoming gathering place for all New Yorkers and visitors alike. Upcoming programs include the return of PaleyFest NY, live podcast tapings, and much more.
Tickets for this program are now on sale to Paley President’s Circle, Patron Circle, and Partner Members; to Paley Individual, Family, and Supporting Members on Thursday, August 27 at noon ET; and to the general public on Friday, August 28 at noon ET. For more information and to learn more about the benefits of Paley Center Membership, including ticket presale and discounts please visit paleycenter.org/membership.
Tickets to Paley events sell out quickly and members of the public are encouraged to sign up for Paley Membership to have early access to tickets at a discount. Paley Members also receive free admission year-round to The Paley Museum, VIP invitations, admission to The Paley Archive library, access to the PaleyGX Gaming Studio and VR Experience, and more. To learn more about these incredible benefits, please visit Paley Membership.
For more updates on Paley’s programming and anniversary celebrations, please visit paleycenter.org, @PaleyCenter on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Threads, and on TikTok.
Media Contacts:
Teresa Brady, The Paley Center for Media, 212.621.6757, tbrady@paleycenter.org
PMK Entertainment, paleycenter@pmkentertainment.com
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About The Paley Center for Media
Founded by media pioneer William S. Paley in 1975, and chaired by Frank A. Bennack, Jr. since 1991, The Paley Center for Media is the world’s leading nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to preserving media history and exploring media’s powerful shaping influence on culture and society. The Paley Center for Media, which owns the iconic Philip Johnson-designed Paley Museum, has proudly made its home in New York City for fifty years. The Paley Museum is where media, sports, gaming, and entertainment come together and has been recognized as New York City's "Best Museum" and "Best Children’s Party Place" for three years in a row.
During the year, the Paley Center produces unmatched programs and respected educational classes for the public and industry. Paley’s best-in-class public programming offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences and exclusive access to today’s most talked about names through memorable programs that are entertaining, educational, and captivate audiences across generations. On the industry side, programs educate, inform, and lead the conversation on the rapidly evolving media landscape. Paley’s unmatched convening power offers unparalleled access to top industry CEOs, world dignitaries, and global thought leaders. At the heart of the institution is the Paley Archive—the largest publicly accessible collection of its kind—with more than 160,000 programs. Often referred to as a national treasure, this invaluable resource is available at The Paley Museum in New York and at the Beverly Hills Public Library in California and plays a central role in Paley’s respected educational initiatives that serve K-12 educators and students throughout the year.