Journalist Feared Dead, Others Injured in Indonesia Crash That Puts Focus on How Media Face Routine Dangers

Among the victims of the Indonesia air crash yesterday were journalists and support staff, indicating, says the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), how media professionals face routine dangers when carrying out their work.

Australian Financial Review journalist Morgan Mellish is feared dead and Sydney Morning Herald journalist Cynthia Banham, was badly injured after sustaining burns to 50 per cent of her body and other injuries. An Indonesian cameramen working for Australia's Seven Network also survived the crash with only minor injuries.

“This tragedy shows how every day journalists take their lives in their hands, even when they do routine work,” said Rachel Cohen, IFJ Communications Officer. “These colleagues were on assignment and found themselves in harm’s way. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and colleagues and we wish those who survived a full recovery.”

Cohen said that the incident was a stark reminder of how journalists are at risk in doing their work. “Every time this sort of thing happens we are reminded of the price journalists are paying for doing their work,” she said.

Last year the IFJ reported that 177 journalists and media staff were killed. Most of them were victims of premeditated attack or caught in the crossfire of war but 22 died in accidents or natural disasters.

For more information contact the IFJ at 32 2 235 2207
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries worldwide