Dangers Of Journalism

Hazards and danger are common in careers such as construction, firefighting and law enforcement. However, if the question "Name the most dangerous careers" was asked on Family Feud, Journalism most likely would not be found on the survey list. When contemplating a career as a journalist, one probably does not initially consider the risks that they may encounter.

"As recently as last week the media has been filled with coverage regarding the injuries sustained by news anchor Bob Woodruff and his camera man while reporting from Iraq. Their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb near Taji, north of Baghdad." (Associated Press, Jan. 30, 2006). "As a seasoned journalist, Woodruff was well aware of the risks involved covering news in a war zone." (Kurtz, H.; Jan. 30, 2006).

" The war in Iraq has become one of the most dangerous stories covered by journalists in the past decade. Many journalists have been killed while covering the war and countless others have been injured." (Weiner, E.; Oct. 8, 2004) "According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 61 journalists have been killed in that country since the 2003 war began. Michael Kelly, a Washington Post columnist and former editor of the Atlantic Monthly is one of the casualties. Many have been kidnapped, shot at and wounded including Times Michael Weisskopf, who lost a hand after an explosion."(Kurtz, H.; Jan. 30, 2006).

"'According to Ann Cooper, director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, "The Pentagon takes every opportunity to say 'If you're worried about security, travel imbedded with us.' This is just a reminder that it's still a very high-risk place, even when reporters are with the troops.' CNN correspondent Michael Holmes's car was shot at in a 2004 attack in which his camera man was wounded in the head and two Iraqi staffers were killed. Holmes stated, 'Personally I feel probably more nervous if I'm driving along in a Humvee, armored or not, because a US convoy or a military convoy of any kind in this country is such a target." (Kurtz, H.; Jan. 30, 2006).

"Daily Times journalist Baton Haxhiu was reporting from Kosovo when he was attacked and burned by Serb police. He fled. As he was hiding in a basement, he saw a NATO spokesman on CNN announce that four editors were executed including himself. His wife did not receive news that he had escaped and was alive for twelve days. After he escaped to Macedonia he set up a newspaper for refugees. Each year the Committee to Protect Journalists presents awards to journalists who have shown extreme courage. Baton Haxhiu was honored with this award." ("Journalists Who..."; Nov. 1999).

"In unstable countries like Pakistan and Columbia reporters are often seen as political enemies. In countries like Cuba where a dictator is in charge, journalists who criticize the government become targets. During a war like the war in Iraq journalists are constantly running the risk of being caught in the crossfire." ("Journalists Who..."; Nov. 1999).

"In 1999, Maria Cristina Caballero won the Press Freedom Award for her work in Columbia. Her reports on the drug trade and human rights abuses made her many enemies. She fled Columbia when death threats came to her home. Caballero uses journalism to help leaders communicate. In a 1997 interview with Carlos Castaсo, leader of Columbia's so-called right wing death squads, it was revealed that Castaсo was ready for peace talks. Caballero still reports on events in her country because she believes that Columbia's best hope for peace is a free press that can provide a forum for dialogue and discussion." ("Journalists Who..."; Nov. 1999).

"In mid- January (2006) an American Muslim advocacy