Why We Rush Toward Danger

Originally posted February 23, 2011

The quickly-changing turn of events in the Middle East has affirmed the value of access to information in a free society. As people have yearned for freedom, journalists who have rushed toward danger in the pursuit of the story have all-too-often faced attacks. Whether it was the brutal attack on CBS News correspondent Lara Logan, or lesser-followed or reported instances where journalists were detained in Iran, authorities or other unknown entities sought to cut the free flow of information. They have hoped to chill the activities of pro-democracy demonstrators and to stop revolution in in its tracks.

 (With Richard C. Hottelet, Lara Logan, (myself) and Marvin Kalb at NPC Awards, August 2011)


As the National Press Club's statements decrying the mistreatment of journalists have drawn wide attention in print and on-the-air, a few key points have become quite clear. One is that the public is eager to understand more about the perils journalists are facing. Another is that many people are simply not aware of the extent of risk our reporter colleagues are facing around the world. As journalists, we need to do a better job talking about these life-threatening challenges. That's because many consumers of information tend to take it for granted, until that access is interrupted. As journalists have come under attack, it has been dramatically demonstrated that newsgathering is not always easy or safe. While the traditional business models in the news business have been turned upside down, the need for credible information remains unchallenged.

Take a look at some of the figures provided by our friends at Reporters Without Borders. They count 57 journalists killed in 2010 because of their activities. These were in countries ranging from Afghanistan to Yemen. Most of us will not know the victims' names. And more journalists will die, or will be injured, while in pursuit of the story just as certainly as new stories will unfold.
In the meantime, the National Press Club will not forget their plight. To the contrary, we will work to underscore these sacrifices.