The New York Times

October 27, 2007
Fake News Briefing by FEMA Draws Official Rebukes
By ERIC LIPTON

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency staged a
fake news conference this week, with agency staff officials, pretending
to be reporters, peppering one of their own bosses with decidedly
friendly questions about the response to the California fires, the
Department of Homeland Security acknowledged Friday.

The action, first reported on Friday in The Washington Post, drew a
rebuke from the White House and Homeland Security Secretary Michael
Chertoff, and an apology from the agency official who was at the
lectern, Harvey E. Johnson, the deputy director.

"We have made it clear that such a stunt will never be tolerated or
repeated," a spokeswoman for the department, Laura C. Keehner, said on
behalf of Mr. Chertoff.

The questions from the staff were posed after FEMA gave reporters only
15 minutes notice for a news conference on Tuesday, meaning that other
than television camera crews, no reporters showed up before questioning
began. A toll-free telephone line was provided so reporters could listen
in, but it was not set up to allow questions.

As a result, staff members asked Mr. Johnson a series of friendly
questions like, "Are you happy with FEMA's response so far?" and, "What
lessons learned from Katrina have been applied?"

Mr. Johnson gave no indication that the questions came from his own
staff.

"I'm very happy with FEMA's response so far," Mr. Johnson said in
response to one question, according to a transcript.

Dana Perino, the White House spokeswoman, said the event was mishandled.
"It's not something I would have condoned," she said. "And they - I'm
sure - will not do it again."