Spectrum

Reporter Security is an Issue Both Abroad and At Home


Listen Later

Award-winning journalist and former Washington Post ombudsman Andrew Alexander just finished co-authoring an in-depth report for National Public Radio about the death of two of its journalists in Afghanistan in June. He is a strong proponent of increased security measures for reporters in a world ravaged with wars and terrorism. He also promotes improved security for reporters being threatened at home in the USA. Alexander asserts that it is more dangerous today for reporters in conflict areas than ever before. Although technology is a great asset that allows reporters to generate stories instantaneously from around the world, it also creates a major security risk through GPS tracking and hacking opportunities. Not only can reporters’ locations be pinpointed by terrorists but news sources can often be identified through electronics and then punished by opposing groups. To counteract the dangers, Alexander proposes several security measures including hiring outside security firms to assist with security and major security training and protocols for both reporters and editors who are working in high risk parts of the globe. Alexander notes that threats to domestic reporters also are on the rise. He cites several violent incidents during the presidential campaign, especially with supporters of President Donald Trump. As reporters and the news media are further demonized by government officials, Alexander is fearful that these incidents and threats will escalate. He suggests the use of some of the same security measures domestically that are applied to war zones. In addition to prevention measures, Alexander notes that often reporters who cover human tragedy and wars suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after their respective assignments. He feels the news organizations should be aware of that possibility and offer “peer to peer” awareness programs to help reporters who may be suffering.
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

SpectrumBy WOUB Public Media

  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5

4.5

32 ratings


More shows like Spectrum

View all
Woman's Hour by BBC Radio 4

Woman's Hour

398 Listeners

Death, Sex & Money by Slate Podcasts

Death, Sex & Money

7,738 Listeners

Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air by The Ringer

Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air

3,622 Listeners

9 to 5ish with theSkimm by theSkimm

9 to 5ish with theSkimm

1,872 Listeners

Still Spinning: On Dance and the Creative Process by The Joyce Theater

Still Spinning: On Dance and the Creative Process

27 Listeners

Glitter & Doom by BRIC RADIO

Glitter & Doom

28 Listeners

City Arts & Lectures by City Arts & Lectures

City Arts & Lectures

389 Listeners

The Commonweal Podcast by Commonweal Magazine

The Commonweal Podcast

122 Listeners

Womanica by Wonder Media Network

Womanica

869 Listeners

The Run-Through with Vogue by Vogue

The Run-Through with Vogue

705 Listeners

You and Me Both with Hillary Clinton by iHeartPodcasts

You and Me Both with Hillary Clinton

8,830 Listeners

Club Random with Bill Maher by Bill Maher

Club Random with Bill Maher

4,432 Listeners

Letters from an American by Heather Cox Richardson

Letters from an American

5,766 Listeners