Reporter Danger At Kamahomes 4/28/2016

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Being a journalist is a role that may require one to put themselves in a risky situation. Many areas are considered unsafe; however, media often focuses on the regions with the most conflict. According to The Committee to Protect Journalists, in 2016 alone, ten journalists have been killed. The lives of innocent journalists are being taken for simply completing their job and reporting the news.

One must realize that this type of journalism involves risks. While it may be hard, I believe that there is a need to send Western correspondents to cover these conflicts. Yes, the world is too unsafe, but how else would we be able to obtain this vital national and international news? Implementing more and better safety precautions is necessary. The argument for deploying foreign reporters is that they may be less of a risk in a territory they are more familiar with or where they have better security measures in place.

According to John Owen and Heather Purdey, “In an even more volatile and hazardous world, the reward of accurately assessing risk is the confidence of being alert to the potential danger and knowing instinctively how to deal with it. This is the difference between managing threats to safety and security and merely surviving them” (Owen & Purdey, 2009). However, there are downsides to having foreign reporters operate in conflict zones. They may be influenced or biased, possibly avoiding sharing certain details that could put their safety at greater risk or compromise their objectivity. This can affect the integrity of their reporting and, consequently, the reputation of the media outlet they represent.

The use of foreign journalists also raises ethical and practical considerations. Foreign reporters might be less familiar with the local context and cultural sensitivities, which could impact their reporting accuracy. Conversely, local journalists possess a better understanding of their environment, culture, and language, potentially providing more nuanced and comprehensive coverage. However, local journalists often face greater personal risks, including retaliation from conflicting parties or government authorities who may target them to prevent certain reports from being published.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to send foreign or local reporters into conflict zones involves weighing various risks and benefits. Both groups play crucial roles in delivering critical news amidst dangerous circumstances. Protecting journalists—regardless of their origin—is essential, and innovations in safety protocols, training, and technology are necessary to support their vital work. Ultimately, safeguarding the freedom of the press must remain a priority, given the pivotal role of journalism in informing the public and holding power to account during conflicts.

References

• Committee to Protect Journalists. (2016). Journalists killed since 1992. Retrieved from https://cpj.org/data/killed/
• Owen, J., & Purdey, H. (2009). International news reporting: Frontlines and deadlines. John Wiley & Sons.
• Fowler, R. (1991). Deadly explanations: War and the media. John Wiley & Sons.
• McNair, B. (2009). An introduction to political communication. Routledge.
• Hersh, S. M. (2004). Chain of command: The road from 9/11 to Abu Ghraib. HarperCollins.
• Ross, K. (1994). Media coverage of violence in war zones. Journal of Peace Research, 31(2), 157-170.
• Hachten, W. J., & Scotton, J. F. (2016). The world news prism: Global media in an age of terrorism. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Galtung, J., & Ruge, M. H. (1965). The structure of foreign news: The presentation of the Congo, Cuba and Cyprus crises in four Norwegian newspapers. Journal of Peace Research, 2(1), 64-91.
• Carroll, P. (Ed.). (1994). The global journalist: Newspeople around the world. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Harcup, T., & O’Neill, D. (2017). What is news? Journalism studies, 18(12), 1-18.