Danger on the Front Line

      Journalism can give so much fulfillment to reporters. It can be an art, a craft, and to some, it can even be a calling. We have the privilege of giving a voice to the voiceless. We have the ability to uncover the concealed. Whether we like to admit it or not, our presence can influence the story. But what happens when the storytellers become the story? 


Laura Ling experienced this. An exceptional journalist, Ling is known for her work in television news and Current TV as a correspondent.


But while reporting in the field, Ling became the story when she and another female journalist were captured and detained by North Korean soldiers. She survived and was eventually released to go home. You can watch a video here. 


No matter where we are, or what story we're covering, there is always a possibility that our lives may be in danger at a moment's notice. So how do we cope? 


Ling mentioned during her speech at the University of Missouri that she focused on meditating. As objective as we're supposed to be, journalists have their own beliefs, or lack thereof. The best bet is to have, as our professor Greeley Kyle puts it, a PMA (Positive Mental Attitude). 


In desperate times, desperate measures may need to be taken. However, it is important to remain as calm as humanly possible. We need to be able to think through the situation. Ling befriended her captors and was able to make a connection with them. 


It can be difficult, but maintaining sanity while you're in danger on the frontline is essential. 




Please click "Read More" for Personal Reflection. 

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