Best Defense
Thomas E. Ricks' daily take on national security.

How come newspapers don’t cover the kidnappings when it happens to them?

That’s the very good question Cori Dauber asks. A soldier gets kidnapped in Afghanistan and it is all over the news. A reporter gets taken and suddenly it isn’t covered because of the possible harm to the victim. It is a nasty little double standard that editors need to think through together. Unfortunately, that isn’t ...

Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

That's the very good question Cori Dauber asks. A soldier gets kidnapped in Afghanistan and it is all over the news. A reporter gets taken and suddenly it isn't covered because of the possible harm to the victim. It is a nasty little double standard that editors need to think through together. Unfortunately, that isn't their strong suit. They will only act if and when faced with legislation or litigation, or are deeply embarrassed by an incident.

That’s the very good question Cori Dauber asks. A soldier gets kidnapped in Afghanistan and it is all over the news. A reporter gets taken and suddenly it isn’t covered because of the possible harm to the victim. It is a nasty little double standard that editors need to think through together. Unfortunately, that isn’t their strong suit. They will only act if and when faced with legislation or litigation, or are deeply embarrassed by an incident.

Thomas E. Ricks covered the U.S. military from 1991 to 2008 for the Wall Street Journal and then the Washington Post. He can be reached at ricksblogcomment@gmail.com. Twitter: @tomricks1

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