Intimidation of Journalists

Faryn Heffer

Staff Writer

Journalism is a very important part of our lives, and while it is a big factor it can also have many sides to it. Journalists give us the most information about what is going on in our world. Different news sources may all tell the same story but told a different way.

From Washington D.C. to Florida and from New York to Los Angeles, at least 14 pipe bombs had been addressed to CNN headquarters, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and many more influential people. The fact that the bombs were planted only 5 hours after Trump tweeted “fake news” was very suspicious. The pipe bombs were targeted at people who Donald Trump had mostly criticized. A southern man called CNN headquarters saying 5 bombs had been placed through CNN headquarters. CNN was then evacuated and hours later was given the all clear.

Another incident including Jamal Khashoggi, a missing journalist who was interrogated, tortured, and then dismembered. Khashoggi was in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul when this happened. Khashoggi was a frequent contributor in Washington Post’s global opinions section. Khashoggi was killed by a team of Saudi agents with orders from the highest levels.

These Khashoggi and journalists at CNN are being targeted. But why? Is it because of what they say that upset people? Do they hold information they shouldn’t be? Some of you might be asking, what’s the big deal. There is no reason for violence in any situation. Especially towards people who are just doing their job.

Journalism has begun to turn into a scary thing. Journalists should not have to hold back information because they are frightened of what may happen. Journalists report breaking news to us and give us the information about the world we need to know. Without them, we would all be in the dark.

The world would fall apart without journalism. No information about any events around the world would be reported. We would not be able to communicate with other countries. People would not be able to get their opinions out about events or tragedies that take place around the world. Countries all over the world would not be able to communicate with each other and that would lead to not knowing if countries were allies or not.

Threats have been made and people are worried. Some people are angry because they believe journalists lie to them and twist the truth. The intimidation of journalists has not gotten any better, and may only get worse.