Endeavours must continue
The first victim of war is always the truth. The problem is that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s (Isil) twisted interpretations have no basis in the holy tenants of Islam. They seem to have overlooked the referrals to ‘people of the book’. One French ex-hostage reported that the average jihadist is ‘none too bright’. I find this easy to imagine. Regrettably, journalists are targeted all over the world, but members of the fourth estate must continue in their endeavours, otherwise we will be fed half-truths, lies and total fabrications by cruel and repressive regimes. The extremists that captured executed journalist James Foley are people with such warped views of facts that if it were not so dangerous, it would be laughable. Bullies and thugs need to be seen for what they really are: half-educated killers and sadists.
From Mr Keith Lupton
Dubai
Alternative methods
I agree that the profession is getting more dangerous. However, I think that this could be avoided by using drone journalism for news footage in critical areas.
From Mr Bang Dolor
Calgary, Canada
Demand is still there
Being a frontline journalist in a conflict zone comes with its share of risk. Unlike the soldiers or militia who are armed and engage in fighting with knowledge of their terrain, a journalist who moves around within the combat zone has only the protection of his/her identity. But, that doesn’t always guarantee their safety. I don’t think news transparency will take a beating in the absence of journalists assigned by news agencies. The new age has changed the dynamics of news coverage. I think this has happened to the extent that news agencies have come to accept freelancers and amateurs as their sources of information. Anyone with a mobile camera can now capture real-time events as they unfold in and around their current location and instantly share it through social networking sites. The images and information might be crude and unconventional but it only adds to the authenticity of the news. Still, news coverage that is analytical, comprehensive and in-depth in nature needs to come from a professionally-committed journalist who is ready to risk his/her life by going out into a war zone.
From Mr V. I. Mohammad Sageer
UAE
Reacting to threats
I think it is possible that the fear of media could hinder the truth. Evidence has been brought forward, proving that such malpractices are occurring through inaccuracies in articles and reports. I think it is common within the fourth estate — fearing for their job or life, a journalist may falsify reports. It is probably more common than we comprehend, that journalists have been threatened to either publish incorrect information or lose their job or life.
From Mr Vivek Rao
UAE
Second thoughts
I think it is affecting the truth, based off of my own feelings of going into this career. I am currently studying journalism and having second thoughts about my career choice in light of recent events.
From Ms Amy Dawood
Dubai
It’s a stretch
I think the premise that ‘the threat of being killed is affecting the truth getting to the masses’ is a bit of a stretch. In reality, combat journalists get killed on a regular basis in every war. I think there are three factors that make it appear more of a problem. Firstly, there are more combat reporters now than ever before. If there are more journalists running around, more journalists are likely to get shot. It may sound cold, but it is simply statistical mathematics. I also think the global proliferation of 24-hour sensational news coverage creates a situation where the news agencies are demanding more. I think it puts pressure on field journalists and freelance contractors to make rash decisions. Lastly, it’s a lot about career goals. The increased numbers of young freelance journalists means that rookies must get that story or photo first and quicker. I think all this forces inexperienced and even experienced field journalists to take more risks than common sense would otherwise dictate. There is no effect on transparency, since it’s greater now, with the large number of phone cameras and modern media.
From Mr Gord Campbell
Toronto, Canada
Doesn’t hinder truth
Since time immemorial, the purpose of journalism has been to reach the unreachable. Whether it’s writing about pirates, tracing the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Velupillai Prabhakaran, Maoists or any terrorists, a journalist’s job makes him/her vulnerable and some groups take extreme action to reach the masses. But, history shows us that no fear or threat can hide the truth, whatever may happen. Rather, I believe it would prepare journalists to overcome hurdles in times of conflict.
From Mr Sanjay Gupta
Dubai
Editors’ note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@ gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet us @GNReaders.
