Several broadcast members of the SAG-AFTRA Missouri Valley Local were in Kansas City to cover the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebration parade on Feb. 14, when, what began as a fun-filled and joyous event drawing tens of thousands of people, tragically ended in a mass shooting. One person was killed and more than 20 were injured. It was a terribly sad ending to what was supposed to be a celebration for the city.
SAG-AFTRA broadcast members showed great courage and resilience during their coverage of this parade and tragedy. Several were in danger and put themselves in harm’s way to get critical information out to the public during a time of great distress and chaos. These broadcasters were model media professionals in their ability to calmly transition and focus on their job over their own personal fears for their safety and the unknown safety of their family and friends. This tragedy highlights what SAG-AFTRA broadcasters do each and every day to bring important information to the communities in which they live and work.
This tragic event has led to continued regional and national discussions on safety in the field and best practices for broadcasters.
This item originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA summer 2024 magazine issue.