'Nightline' report ups anxieties

By David Bauder
Associated Press

During a report on biological terrorism, ABC's "Nightline" a week ago aired a doomsday scenario in which anthrax spores were released into subways, killing 42,000 people in a week.

Four days later, a subway station in suburban Washington, D.C. was shut for about six hours after a disturbed man sprayed a substance that police later determined was a cleaning agent.

Coincidence?

"I don't think anybody can know unless they talk to this person," said Tom Bettag, "Nightline" executive producer. "It goes both ways. Does this person get the idea from the broadcast? Does the heightened security and sensitivity, saying we've got to be careful about this, come from the broadcast?"

As anticipated, "Nightline" has heard from many viewers, some glad the issue was brought up, others worried that it could provide a blueprint for terrorists, he said.

The hypothetical subway scene is condensed from one used by "Nightline" during another report on terrorism two years ago, Bettag said. It details how terrorists release the anthrax spores. Chaos ensues when health officials decide not to give antibiotics to people

already sick, assuming they were doomed. No specific city is mentioned. In the panel discussion that follows, "Nightline" anchor Ted Koppel speaks to Washington Mayor Anthony Williams about the capital's preparedness.

Bettag said "Nightline" believed it performed a public service by raising a difficult issue so government will confront it. "It's the role of journalists to make society itch in places that it prefers not to. We are supposed to make the public look around and think. It's no fun to be the people raising unpleasant questions, but if we don't, who does?"

At the Temple Hills, Md., subway stop on Tuesday, a man produced a red bottle and began spraying liquid into the air. Several people nearby later complained of nausea, headaches and sore throats, but police determined it was because of pepper spray police used to subdue the man.

Bettag said a real terrorist attack would be much more sophisticated. "It almost has to be state-sponsored," he said. "It is not easy for a crackpot to do this, particularly in any way effectively."