Washington-Area Papers Face Sniper Worries

By: Joe Strupp and Chris Nammour Newspapers in and around Washington have felt the effects of the area's deadly sniper shootings as much as any other businesss, according to editors and other supervisors. Although none of those who spoke with E&P Online said any employees had refused to carry out their duties, most said workers were concerned and that some deliveries had been delayed.

"It has complicated things," said Scott McCaffrey, managing editor at The Northern Virginia Journal in Alexandria. He said Friday's shooting in Fredericksburg, Va., delayed delivery of some papers until as late as 1:30 p.m. due to traffic and closed highways. "It's all been tied up with gridlock."

John E. Hollenberger, circulation director at The Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg, said his people were taking precautions, especially those near a drop-off site located a mile and a half from the Friday shooting location. "We told them to keep an eye out for anything suspicious and, if they see anything that makes them nervous, to get out of there as soon as possible and contact the police," he said. "We've asked the police department to take an extra swing over there."

Richard J. Hammerstrom, a Free Lance-Star local news editor, described the newsroom atmosphere as "chaotic."

"It's kind of overwhelming," he said. "We're pushing as many people into the story as we can." Despite the unrest, Free Lance-Star reporters had remained calm and focused. "No one has been doing anything like refuse to go out and cover the story," he explained.

In Washington, the situation was similar. "Everyone has been a little bit concerned and upset about who could be next," said Glenn Murphy, sales and marketing manager at The Washington Times, which circulates in 15 area counties. "We just don't know what will happen."

Murphy added that no formal warnings had been issued to any of his 500 carriers or delivery drivers, but said a written warning could be sent out if supervisors decide it is warranted.

At The Washington Post, the only delivery delays involved a few trucks being stopped Friday morning as police sought to track down the shooter after the Fredericksburg incident. Post Vice President and Business Manager Theodore C. Lutz said all employees remain on the job, with none refusing to work or asking for extra protection.

"These are professionals," he said about the delivery workers. "But there is more concern."

Both the Times and Post reported increases in single-copy sales since the attacks gained national attention, with the Post seeing a 5% jump in the last few days, according to Lutz.

In the Post newsroom, Executive Editor Leonard Downie Jr. said fears of being shot have not kept reporters from going out on assignments. In fact, he said many reporters are anxious to cover the expanding story. "We had a reporter who was heading south today on a day off and diverted his trip to cover the story," Downie said.

Downie said no added security precautions or safety efforts had been put in place for reporters. "We don't see any need for that," he said.