American Journalists Sentenced to Labor Camp in N. Korea

Should you have missed (amongst all the other news and ongoing economic reports) this news bulletin regarding two (2) American Journalists captured as illegals, trespassing in N. Korea, this is a mess with multiple variations and perspectives! Just pick one that best represents your position.

Laura Ling and Euna Lee have each been sentenced by a N. Korean court to 12years in a North Korean Prison (Labor Camp). Issues of reporters being captured, in some instances killed, in other instances tortured, kidnapped, held for ransom or in this case of two female reporters being sentenced to a Prison Camp is more than just a passing incident. U.S. Journalists placing themselves in peril and being held captive in some form can become a huge dynamic. But the issues surrounding their captures are complex. This article is for you to evaluate the positions.

Position #1
Professional Journalists are paid by there respective employers (in this case a broadcast company) to obtain stories. Their profession, as with most professions involves a large amount of competition. They compete for stories, insight and perspective that the other News companies will not have and in doing so gain viewership, listenership or readership. Sometimes if a story is strong enough it can facilitate a book deal for the Journalist. The point is, Journalists are paid to get stories and often over extend themselves to build a reputation and with it a career. So when they get caught or abducted should this become an International issue?

Position #2
Although the State Department puts forth numerous warnings to the general public regarding US Citizen Status while traveling in other countries, Journalists somehow feel as though they are in a “special class” because they: a.) believe the first amendment rights extend to anywhere in the world b.) Believe that the story and public awareness of their story surpasses any government’s laws regardless of any country they are penetrating or c.) Are willing to take a risk to get propel their careers.

Position #3
Journalists recognize, in as much as they are Journalists; should they fall into an adverse scenario they will receive unique media attention from their media comrades. Do oversees Journalists count on the fact that should they become abducted or in some way “caught” they posses reasonable knowledge that their peril will be covered, and of course the US State Department will be notified. Therefore Journalists and broadcast companies are emboldened to go wherever and do whatever to get their story. (Again, follow the money and ratings trail).

Position #4
Politicians are Politicians, Heads of State are Heads of State and Governments are Governments. They all want two (2) things: 1.) they need the media, both National and International and 2.) They all have agenda’s. Everyone is aware that Journalists are poking around and all sides use the Media as the Media uses them. Governments need the media to get a message delivered to the public and Journalists need new stories to make a living. When an issue (sentencing of 12 years in N. Korean Prison Camp) involves sanctioning two, young and attractive U.S. Female Journalists the question becomes; Is this simply a negotiation tool by a country that wants to flex their muscles? Is the victimized government whose laws have been broken prepared to reduce a heavy sentencing to a lesser sentence with some political consideration and / or money thus, gaining popular press by being perceived as having been violated and then compassionate?

The point is, no matter what your perspective, these episodes are a real mess. Journalism and Journalist, Politicians and Governments all take advantage of the system. We get to watch the drama unfold. Let us know what you think and what your perspective is by e-mailing us at the e-mail address on this site.


James, Boardroom Resource Blogger
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