Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
Hum News leads the way: First Pakistani channel to embrace AI toolsEnhancing trauma reporting: Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025Youm-e-Tameer-o-Taraqi or Youm-e-Tabahi? Government spends millions on self-congratulatory adsBlogger killed, editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepensPTV pensioners continue protests over unpaid dues and medical facilitiesWill PECA 2025 law be repealed? PFUJ begins a legal battleDefying threats: Munizae Jahangir's story reveals what it costs to be a woman journalist in PakistanIndia revokes nonprofit and tax status of news outletsUkraine's security service opens criminal case after Ukrainska Pravda reportTwo Cambodian journalists detained over cyber scam torture videoThe Olympic Games: A timeless testament to human excellence and unityMexican journalist Alejandro Gallegos killed in Tabasco

French TV reprimanded for airing gunman tape

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published July 11, 2012

Join our WhatsApp channel

French TV reprimanded for airing gunman tape

PARIS: A major French TV station was reprimanded over its decision to broadcast leaked recordings of the last words exchanged between Toulouse gunman Mohamed Merah and negotiators, hours before he was killed in a shootout with police.

The emergence of the recordings, in which Merah is heard mocking police and saying he loves death more than life, stirred up emotions still raw three months after the 23-year-old Frenchman carried out a string of deadly shootings in the name of al Qaeda.

France's CSA audiovisual board summoned several TV and radio stations for having aired the tapes but only reprimanded privately owned TF1 because it broadcast them first and without sufficient warning about their potentially shocking nature.

"I was shocked by the decision to air (the recordings) when I thought of the victims' families, of those who were injured or otherwise affected by these events," CSA president Michel Boyon told journalists at a news conference.

The reprimand does not include a fine, but obliges the station to review its practices in handling sensitive material. In case of another breach, TF1 could face a fine.

In France's worst attack by an Islamist militant in 17 years, Merah went on a rampage through the southern city of Toulouse on a scooter in March, killing three soldiers, three Jewish children and a rabbi.

Police quickly narrowed a list of suspects and launched a dawn raid on Merah's flat, but he repulsed their assault, setting the stage for an all-night standoff that ended, more than 24 hours later, in a hail of gunfire.

At the time, controversy surrounded the raid. Blogs and social networking sites were full of speculation about whether police had simply executed Merah. His father in Algeria sued French police for having unlawfully killed his son.

Extracts of the recordings available on several websites suggest that Merah was fully in control of his actions.

In a clear and steady voice tinged with a Toulouse accent, Merah tells negotiators that he does not fear death and is ready to face down another assault by police laying siege to his flat.

"I know you might shoot me, that's a risk that I'm taking," he says. Of the killing at the Jewish OzarHatorahschool, he says: "I got on the scooter and I just stopped there, it was not premeditated, well, yes, I meant to do it, but that morning when I woke up it was not my goal."

A film of Merah's attacks, recorded on a camera strapped to his chest, was sent to al JazeeraTV but never aired.

Boyon said TF1 had been reprimanded for failing to flag sensitive material or place it in context, in addition to breaching confidentiality around an ongoing probe into suspicions that Merah may have acted with aid from partners.

But there was also a warning to other stations not to broadcast the video. "In the case of MrMerah we don't really know what might be circulating," Boyon said. "This is to remind the heads of television stations that they have responsibilities." - Reuters
 

Blogger killed, editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepens

Blogger killed, editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepens

 February 07, 2025:  Mozambican journalist Albino Sibia was killed while filming police brutality, and reporter Pedro Junior was shot covering his funeral. Arlindo Chissale remains missing. These attacks highlight the dire state of press freedom in Mozambique amid post-election unrest.

Ukraine's security service opens criminal case after Ukrainska Pravda report

Ukraine's security service opens criminal case after Ukrainska Pravda report

 February 04, 2025:  Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has opened a criminal case for disclosure of state secrets following Ukrainska Pravda’s report on statements by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. CPJ urges authorities to respect press freedom and journalist protections.

Mexican journalist Alejandro Gallegos killed in Tabasco

Mexican journalist Alejandro Gallegos killed in Tabasco

 February 02, 2025:  Journalist Alejandro Gallegos Leon was found dead in Tabasco, Mexico after being reported missing. CPJ urges authorities to swiftly investigate and address the ongoing violence against journalists.

Trump administration opens White House briefing room to new media

Trump administration opens White House briefing room to new media

 January 29, 2025:  The Trump Administration is revamping White House press access by inviting podcasters, influencers, and independent journalists to the briefing room. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlights the need to adapt to modern media consumption.

China, Israel, and Myanmar lead the world's top jailers of journalists

China, Israel, and Myanmar lead the world's top jailers of journalists

 January 18, 2025:  A CPJ report reveals that 361 journalists were jailed globally in 2024, with China, Israel, and Myanmar leading. The alarming trend highlights threats to press freedom and rising authoritarian repression worldwide.

Washington Post cartoonist quits over rejected Trump-Bezos illustration

Washington Post cartoonist quits over rejected Trump-Bezos illustration

 January 05, 2025:  Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post cartoonist Ann Telnaes resigns after her cartoon depicting media moguls, including Post owner Jeff Bezos, kneeling before Donald Trump was rejected, sparking debate about editorial independence and press freedom.

Renowned CNN anchor Aaron Brown passes away at 76

Renowned CNN anchor Aaron Brown passes away at 76

 December 31, 2024:  Aaron Brown, the renowned CNN anchor known for his 9/11 coverage and journalistic excellence, has passed away at 76. A tribute to his life and legacy.

Vietnamese blogger handed 12-year prison sentence for anti-state propaganda

Vietnamese blogger handed 12-year prison sentence for anti-state propaganda

 November 01, 2024:  Duong Van Thai, an independent Vietnamese blogger who went missing in Thailand, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on anti-state charges. CPJ condemns the harsh sentence, urging his immediate release and the Vietnamese state to end its crackdown on press freedom.

Newsroom
Hum News leads the way: First Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools

Hum News leads the way: First Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools

 February 09, 2025 Hum News Network becomes the first Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, enhancing productivity and innovation. Discover how this visionary move sets new standards in media.

Enhancing trauma reporting: Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025

Enhancing trauma reporting: Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025

 February 09, 2025 The Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025 is open for applications! This prestigious program at Columbia University offers journalists an intensive seminar on trauma reporting, media ethics, and responsible journalism. Apply by March 3, 2025.

Youm-e-Tameer-o-Taraqi or Youm-e-Tabahi? Government spends millions on self-congratulatory ads

Youm-e-Tameer-o-Taraqi or Youm-e-Tabahi? Government spends millions on self-congratulatory ads

 February 08, 2025 As Pakistan faces an economic crisis, the government splurges taxpayers' money on full-page ads and press releases to glorify its achievements. Critics call it a wasteful PR stunt. Read how public funds are being misused for political propaganda.

PTV pensioners continue protests over unpaid dues and medical facilities

PTV pensioners continue protests over unpaid dues and medical facilities

 February 07, 2025 PTV pensioners staged nationwide protests demanding their unpaid pensions, medical benefits, and dues for nearly 400 retirees. Protesters, supported by PFUJ, criticized PTV management for corruption and lavish expenses while neglecting retirees' rights.

Will PECA 2025 law be repealed? PFUJ begins a legal battle

Will PECA 2025 law be repealed? PFUJ begins a legal battle

 February 06, 2025 PFUJ has challenged the controversial PECA Act 2025 in the Islamabad High Court, citing it as an attack on press freedom. Journalists and rights organizations protest the law’s implications for free speech and media independence in Pakistan.