Iraqi media braves assault from all sides

IRAQI MEDIA BRAVES ASSAULT FROM ALL SIDES
[SOURCE: The Christian Science Monitor, AUTHOR: Sam Dagher]
For the fifth year in a row, Iraq was the most dangerous place in the world to be a journalist. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists reported this week that 31 journalists have died in 2007, one fewer than a year ago. The media watchdog group said that 173 have died since 2003, including 49 media support workers ­ the drivers, translators, and guards who work for media companies and help report the news. The vast majority of those killed are Iraqis ­ who have not only been targeted by insurgent groups but who also appear to be facing a growing campaign of harassment, kidnapping, and assault at the hands of government officials and Iraqi politicians. Those working for print, television, radio, and other outlets say they are sometimes bribed to relay the views and pronouncements of the organization that funds their operations or paid off by politicians who want positive coverage. Others say they face ongoing pressure from the US military, as illustrated by the case of award-winning Associated Press photographer Bilal Hussein, who was accused by the US of being linked to terrorists, a charge that his employer denies.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1220/p06s01-wome.html