Security Chief Visits Academy, Makes a Television "Connection"

"You're good people to start a conversation with," Tom Ridge, the Director of Homeland Security, told about 100 TV Academy guests during a brief appearance at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre on Jan. 14.

Academy Vice-Chair (and master of ceremonies) John Shaffner, Tom Ridge, and Academy President Todd Leavitt

Ridge, charged by President George W. Bush with preventing domestic terrorism in the wake of the 2001 World Trade Center attack, was touring several American cities to explain his mission and elicit support. A TV link between Hollywood and Washington is essential, he told the invited dignitaries.

"We need to stay connected," he said. "Americans have to be reminded that this (war on terror) is a permanent condition." That doesn't mean, however, that his stringent and often-criticized travel and other restrictions stay in force forever.

"I see a day when you can go to the airport and keep your shoes on," Ridge said.

When it comes to freedom vs. security, "We have to be careful about trading off too much," Ridge said, noting criticism of a recent measure requiring fingerprints for entering foreigners. "You have to protect that balance."

He urged the audience, which included TV executives as well as decision-makers and leaders from the production side of the business, to seek any help they need from his department when doing stories -- real or fictional -- that touch on terrorism or preventing it.

"You're going to make the final call, but if we can be of assistance, we want to be of assistance," he said.