BB pal Jacob Appelbaum is following Katrina aftermath in the affected area with Joel Johnson. Jacob’s maintaining a travelblog and a regularly updated photostream. Snip from today’s posts:
The BBC just called me. I am the only media [they could reach] inside the dome. We did a long interview and it’s going to be broadcast on Friday at 13:00 on their live webcast.
The media censorship here runs high. It was not easy to actually enter the dome as media. I am working with the group ‘Austin Airwaves’ and our badge says ‘PRESS’ in huge white letters on a red background. This has caused unending red tape. I have been the subject of removal a few times, bordering on a dozen. My camera draws the most fire.
I just heard we have the go ahead to put up the transmittter. I have no idea if that means we can broadcast or not. I assume it does because we have the FCC permits. The main issue here seems to be a total lack of leadership. No one with FEMA seems to know who their boss is. No one with the RedCross has authority. Everyone working for the owners (Reliant energy) of the dome is getting in our way. No photos. No entry. Attempted removal. Detainment.
The weather in Houston is hot and muggy. There is a great deal of police and military on the grounds.
As I said before, I’m the only person known to be in the dome according to the BBC. Their (Reliant staff) attempts to keep the media under control and out of the way also seem to keep the media from the most interesting spots. I have some really good photos and I will attempt to post them soon.
