Media Guide

Click here for a list of Media Contacts.

News Releases

News releases are issued to describe changes in services, Airport construction, notices to travelers, etc. A list of regional newspapers, television and radio outlets is used to send releases by fax. Please advise a marketing department staff member if you would like to be placed on the fax/mailing list or if your fax or telephone number changes. To receive news releases by e-mail, send your address to comments@TRIflight.com.

Interviews

All requests for interviews with TCAC representatives should be made in advance to the marketing department. We will try to provide a spokesperson that can best address the topic of the interview. Requests to videotape or photograph at the Airport should be submitted to the marketing department. If no one is available in the marketing department, please contact Airport administration at 423-325-6001.

If you are interested in videotaping a particular airline operation, you must contact the airline to obtain approval. Inquiries about airlines and requests to tape airline facilities and aircraft should be made to the individual airline public affairs department (see listing).

Please remember that security restrictions are critical to Airport safety and will take top priority in every instance. You will not be allowed access to the airfield or to other secure areas without proper permission and escort.

Airport Jurisdictions

Certain Airport operations fall under the jurisdiction of different agencies working within the Airport.

Aircraft Operations/Air Traffic Control

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for air traffic control, as well as certain Airport security requirements. Inquiries about aircraft operations or delays in the air traffic system should be directed to the FAA Southern Region Public Affairs Office at 404-305-5100.

Aircraft/Airline Issues

Individual airlines are responsible for issues relating to that particular airline: labor issues, on-time performance, flight schedules, baggage handling, weather delays, security screening, etc.

Airport Security

Airport security is highly confidential. TCAC policy is to limit the information made public regarding security procedures used by Airport, airline and federal personnel. The level of Airport security is established by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and is implemented by the Airport and airline personnel.

Airport Operations

The Commission is responsible for daily operations of the Airport. Issues pertaining to terminal operations, air service, parking, construction, etc. should be directed to the marketing department and will be forwarded to the appropriate person for response.

Airport Access

TCRA is a public building operated by the Commission. Media may videotape or photograph publicly accessible areas, including lobbies, parking lots, roadways, lounges and other public use areas.

When videotaping, taking still photos or conducting interviews at the Airport, the media should stage equipment or personnel in a manner that will not block or restrict movement through emergency escape routes or exits. No videotaping will be permitted to interfere with any entrance, exit, escalator, ticket counter, passenger check-in, security checkpoint or baggage carousel. The media must not interfere with Airport or airline operations.

Leased Areas

Areas that are leased by the airlines and other tenants, such as ticket counters, boarding locations and waiting areas, private offices, stores and restaurants, are under the control of those parties. Media access to those areas must be approved by the business leasing the area.

Security Screening

The security screening areas are operated by the federal government through the TSA. Videotaping or photography of the checkpoint and screening areas is not permitted. There is to be no photography or videotaping of the monitors that display items being screened. Requests for access beyond the security checkpoint will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If access is granted, media representatives and any equipment will be subjected to thorough screening and an escort must be assigned.

Airfield

Airfield access is strictly controlled. Requests for videotaping in the aircraft movement areas and near the aprons will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Prior notification is essential to ensure adequate staffing exists to perform escort duties. Requests for access will be accommodated to the extent manpower and operational considerations permit.

Parking and Live Shots

Media personnel should park all vehicles in the public parking lots. Television trucks providing a live shot or satellite feed may park in the public parking lots. Media personnel are not permitted to park in metered spaces or in front of the terminal for long periods of time and should not park in the Commission lot.

If prior permission has been obtained from Airport public safety for locations other than those mentioned above, vehicles may not be left unattended in those locations without express permission from public safety. The Commission reserves the right to restrict media activity at any location on Airport premises if public security, safety or operation concerns so warrant.

Weather

Adverse weather conditions could affect Airport operations due to airfield conditions, visibility or other reasons. The Airport does not close during most inclement weather conditions. At times, there may be an interruption in operations in order to clear snow and ice from the runways or ramps.

Heavy rain or fog does not usually close TCRA. However, some aircraft may be delayed in landing or taking off until visibility and conditions improve. Flights may be delayed or canceled due to weather in the surrounding area or at the flights' destinations