When a mountaineering disaster or other major climbing story hits the news, the media often turn to the American Alpine Club for more information or perspective. The August 1 tragedy on K2, in which 11 climbers died high on the mountain, was no exception. AAC members and officials were widely quoted in national newspaper, radio, and television reports.

Here are some interviews and opinions available online:

• Ed Viesturs, who summited K2 in 1992, did a four-minute interview with National Public Radio.

• Maurice Isserman, whose new book on Himalayan climbing history, Fallen Giants, was researched in the AAC library, published an op-ed piece in the New York Times’ “Week in Review” section, contrasting modern Himalayan climbing with the 1950s era. He also did a long interview with the “Morning in America” national radio program.

• AAC Executive Director Phil Powers published a letter to the editor of the Times with a similar theme, and also prepared an excellent slide show based on his 1993 ascent of K2 for PBS’ “Online News Hour,” covering the attractions and dangers of the peak.

The AAC leadership is discussing a public forum or panel discussion prompted by the K2 disaster and other issues surrounding modern Himalayan mountaineering. Further details will be available after the AAC’s October board meeting.