"Reporters in the line of fire"

Is it worth endangering ones' life to get the scoop?

Journalists bring recognition to events and issues occurring throughout the world. They prompt people to think about a particular issue in a new way, make complicated subjects understandable, explore new ideas and help shape policy and peace within countries. Journalists use words, graphics, photos and design to captivate readers so they are informed. They use the power of the media to bring about positive change in society.

Injustices occur within the world today simply because we are unaware of them. Journalists bring the truth to the world in hopes of stimulating social change. By experiencing first-hand the life and hardships that people live can they truly present us with the most reliable and relevant facts. Journalists in a way are life saviours. They inform us about environmental issues and government policies that have a direct effect on us. They travel to war-torn countries to document how people’s lives are being affected from both sides; the military and the citizens.

Reporters Without Borders, an international organization that advocates freedom of press reported the killings of 81 journalists and 32 media assistants in 2006. This has been the highest numbers since 1994. Many journalists are risking their lives to get the story. Some journalists do it for the adventure and the excitement but many simply want to make the suppressed heard and advocate for change.

I believe that journalists do not get enough recognition the all the work and effort that they put it to doing their jobs. They constantly put their lives at risk to bring justice to citizen’s lives and because of this they truly are life saviours.