Birmingham, AL, TV stations were already on the air when first reports of the crash of a UPS cargo jet came in. The Airbus A300 crashed on approach around 5:00 a.m. Central Time en route from Louisville, KY, killing the pilot and co-pilot.
NBC affiliate WVTM – “Today in Alabama” anchor Lisa Crane told viewers about initial reports of the crash at 5:14 a.m. She said the station was sending crews to the scene and promised updates. The station showed first video of the crash shortly after 6:00 a.m.
ABC affiliate WCFT – Anchors Sheri Falk and Ebony Hall tossed to Candace White at 5:31 a.m. White started out in the newsroom and confirmed the crash with Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport’s public relations director. The station showed its first video tape of the scene at 5:51. By 6:00 a.m. White was on scene reporting by phone.
CBS affiliate WIAT – “Wake Up Alabama” anchors Stephen Hauk and Gina Redmond broke the news at 5:38. They had reporter Rick Jackson live on the scene at East Lake Boulevard near the airport in East Birmingham.
FOX affiliate WBRC – Anchors Janice Rogers and Sarah Verser told viewers about the crash at 5:45 a.m. and went to Clare Huddleston live on scene at 5:54.