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."