14 August 2006

Just checked my blackberry (I'm off today) and discovered one of our DC-based correspondents and a freelance camera man have been kidnapped in Gaza. This reporter just left for the mideast a couple of weeks ago--we had a conversation about it in the kitchen at work. It's really upsetting. I wasn't particularly close to this guy, but I know him well enough to say hello and chat for a bit in the office. People often malign TV news for its superficiality or call it "info-tainment." Make no mistake: covering the news--especially this day and age--can be very dangerous. On air correspondents, producers, photographers, sound and light guys--all put their lives on the line everyday. Say a prayer for Steve--and everyone else in harm's way covering the various war zones in the mideast.