Contents
“September 5” is a film by Tim Fehlbaum, produced in Germany. It opened in German cinemas on 9 January 2025. The film is set in the ABC Sports studio at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. On 5 September, terrorists take Israeli athletes hostage. This article describes the events as portrayed in the film. They are an object lesson in discernment. An example of the Quality of Discernment.
Who reports?
Situation
Headquarters wants to hand the coverage over to the news division. Sports chief Roone Arledge keeps it in Munich. His team is closest to the events. The young producer Geoffrey Mason runs the control room.
Link to the quality
Discernment begins with the question of who can judge a situation best. Being close to the events is an advantage. But it is no substitute for experience. Leaders should know what their team lacks for a task.
What may be shown live?
Situation
The team points a camera at the hostages’ quarters. A staff member gets into the cordoned-off village with a forged ID. The live pictures can also be seen by the hostage-takers. Police officers storm the control room and force the broadcast to be cut off.
Link to the quality
Not everything that is possible is right. In the rush of events, the team overlooks who else is watching. Good leadership asks before a decision whom it affects and what it may set off.
The premature report
Situation
During the night, the interpreter Marianne Gebhardt hears that the hostages are free. The broadcaster ZDF appears to confirm this. Marvin Bader, the head of broadcast operations, presses to wait for confirmation. Mason has the report broadcast anyway, with a caveat.
Link to the quality
Good news that everyone wants to hear is the news that gets checked least. That is exactly when discipline is needed. A caveat in a subordinate clause offers no protection. Leaders must separate clearly: what do we know, and what do we hope?
The correction
Situation
The rescue at the airport has failed. All the hostages are dead. Anchor Jim McKay corrects the report live. His words became famous: “They’re all gone.” At the end, Mason stops in front of the photos of the victims.
Link to the quality
Those who make a mistake must put it right themselves, and quickly. That is part of responsibility. It is better to take the warning voice in the room seriously before the decision is made.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
- Separate clearly between what you know and what you hope.
- Check good news just as strictly as bad news.
- Before every decision, ask who else it affects.
- Listen to the person in the room who urges caution.
- Correct mistakes immediately and yourself.
Summary
“September 5” shows people who have to decide under great pressure. Some decisions are courageous, others premature. The film does not condemn the newsroom; it makes the consequences visible. Here, discernment means: speed must not replace checking.