How to Report Under Fire
"These are the most dangerous times for journalists," argues Chris Cramer, president of CNN International. He may be right. During just four weeks of conflict in Iraq last spring, 16 journalists died, compared with 63 killed during 14 years of war in Vietnam. These Iraq casualties are some of the newest entries on the roster ...
"These are the most dangerous times for journalists," argues Chris Cramer, president of CNN International. He may be right. During just four weeks of conflict in Iraq last spring, 16 journalists died, compared with 63 killed during 14 years of war in Vietnam. These Iraq casualties are some of the newest entries on the roster of more than 700 war correspondents killed since William H. Russell began the modern era of war reporting in 1854, with his reports from the Crimea for the Times of London.
"These are the most dangerous times for journalists," argues Chris Cramer, president of CNN International. He may be right. During just four weeks of conflict in Iraq last spring, 16 journalists died, compared with 63 killed during 14 years of war in Vietnam. These Iraq casualties are some of the newest entries on the roster of more than 700 war correspondents killed since William H. Russell began the modern era of war reporting in 1854, with his reports from the Crimea for the Times of London.
To reduce the toll of war on the Fourth Estate, organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists, and Reporters Without Borders are pumping out guides for conflict-zone journalists. These guides offer tips on everything from how to dress (remember that "bulletproof vests are not bulletproof"), to the best insurance packages for journalists ("[s]ome policies provide no coverage for the Middle East").
Large organizations, including the BBC and CNN, have also started sending their reporters to "battle school," typically five-day courses taught by combat experts including former British Royal Marines. The courses cost about $2,100 per person. Frank Smyth, author of the CPJ guide, remembers being taught that "when a hand grenade goes off, you have to dive to the ground with the feet towards the grenade, cross your legs, and open your mouth."
Some veterans, though, are far from impressed. Morely Safer, co-editor of CBS television’s investigative program 60 Minutes and a correspondent during the Vietnam War, snorts, "These classes are a little foolish. They are organized by companies who know how to make money with news organizations." He points out that he had a sharp learning curve in Vietnam. "If you are not savvy, you should not be out there." Neely Tucker, a Washington Post staff writer who has covered more than 40 wars, thinks the traditional apprenticeship system is the best way to learn how to stay safe and still get the story. He advises newcomers not to be overeager and never to interview people in the street when they are gathering with stones, sticks, and machetes.
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