HOW MANY MORE?

It's only April. We are three weeks into war in Iraq and 12 key media workers are already dead. We know that at least three of them were freelancers.

Where are all the freelancers in this war? Most are embedded. Some are almost certainly working alone. Many are local. Operating alone is unbelievably dangerous, being embedded is proving more dangerous than expected, and friendly fire is to be feared. As I write, a local translator has already lost his life.

From the beginning of this year, we were snowed under with requests for training bursaries. Newsgathering organisations are, admirably, insisting on safety training for those heading into war zones. This insistence has, however, proved to be a double-edged sword for freelancers as the training courses have become a condition of their employment. No course? No job.

We are happy that Bloomberg have become the latest - and very welcome - contributors to the Rory Peck Training Fund. Congratulations to all those who have consistently supported the fund, BBC News (who have increased their support) Channel 4 TV, CNN, The Guardian and The Financial Times. CNN's Chris Cramer has personally provided a bursary and hopes others will follow suit.

However, not all newsgathering organisations have put their money where their mouth is, and in February we found ourselves in the uncomfortable position of having to waitlist freelancers who were both deserving and eligible.

One such freelancer was photojournalist Molly Bingham. Hearing that she was one of the missing journalists in Baghdad our hearts lurched. This was the scenario we had dreaded - a deserving case for a bursary who had been put on hold, and then found themselves in danger. We are relieved that Molly is now safe, and intend to help those who need training - when they need it.

For this reason, I make no apology for saying to all you broadcasters and newspaper editors: THE SAFETY OF THE FREELANCE COMMUNITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY. FREELANCERS NEED ALL THE KNOWLEDGE THEY CAN GET IF THEY ARE TO OPERATE BOTH WELL AND SAFELY. COME ON - GIVE US YOUR SUPPORT!

Finally, you'll notice that a new name has appeared at the top of this newsletter. We are truly delighted to welcome leading mobile communications giant Inmarsat, as one of the Trust's major sponsors. Inmarsat will be supporting the free lens throughout 2003. There was never a more appropriate time.

Tina Carr,
Director The Rory Peck Trust

Issue 14
April 2003

Supported by:

• How many more?
• War in Iraq: Statement
• Stress and Distress: Knowing the Difference
• Obituary: Paul Moran
• Obituary: Kaveh Golestan
• Inmarsat broadcasts its global support for journalists
• The Rory Peck Training Fund
• The Rory Peck Awards 2003
• Sony Impact Award
• Miguel Gil Journalism Award
• Advertisers

• Issue 14
• Issue 13
• Issue 12
• Issue 11
• Issue 10
• Issue 9
• Issue 8
• Issue 7
• Issue 6
• Issue 5
• Issue 4
• Issue 3
• Issue 2
• Issue 1

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