September 5 is a compelling exploration of the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis and its groundbreaking impact on live news coverage. Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, the film highlights how ABC News redefined broadcast journalism by choosing to focus on the unfolding tragedy, while other networks remained with Olympic events. It was a pivotal moment in history—both for the world and for the media—as approximately 900 million people watched the events live, marking one of the first times a global audience was brought together through real-time television.
The film underscores how the crisis became a turning point for live broadcasting. For ABC, it wasn’t just about reporting the story; it was about navigating the challenges of covering an unplanned, fast-evolving event without the luxury of pre-produced content or scripted commentary. This set a precedent for how networks would approach live reporting in future crises, from wars to natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
One of the film’s key moments shows how ABC’s decision to air real-time updates changed the expectations of viewers. It introduced a new era of journalism, where audiences came to expect immediate, unfiltered coverage of global events. However, this innovation also exposed the dangers of live reporting. In their rush to be first, ABC prematurely declared the hostages had been rescued—a false report that deeply impacted the network’s credibility and demonstrated the high stakes of delivering breaking news.
Leonie Benesch’s portrayal of Gladys Deist, a German translator at ABC, adds another layer of complexity to the story. As the only team member fluent in both German and English, she becomes essential in interpreting crucial information. Yet, she faces open racism from some of her older colleagues, reflecting the prejudices that lingered in the newsroom despite the crisis at hand. Her perseverance in the face of discrimination underscores the human challenges behind the professional pressures.
Through a mix of archival footage and dramatized scenes, the film captures the newsroom’s chaos while contextualizing its lasting impact. September 5 not only revisits a historic event but also examines how live streaming as we know it was born in those harrowing days. The risks, rewards, and ethical dilemmas of live journalism—introduced during this crisis—continue to shape how the media handles breaking news today.
In the end, September 5 is a gripping historical drama that reflects on the power and pitfalls of real-time reporting, as well as the human cost of delivering the news under extreme pressure. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of media and the stories that shaped it.
September 5 is in theatres on Friday, December 13th, 2024.
Sounds chilling. I would like to see It. Actually watched these Olympics and saw this chilling occurrence live.