Journalism's First Casualty

Date: 24 March 2003

The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance expresses its deepest sympathy with the family of Paul Moran, killed on assignment for the ABC in northern Iraq. ABC journalist Eric Campbell, who was wounded in the same blast, is returning to Australia. The ABC is providing counselling to employees affected by Mr Moran's tragic death. The incident highlights the dangers faced by journalists working in war zones.

The Alliance is reviewing the level of cover provided by the ABC for journalists on overseas assignment and confirming arrangements for special risks insurance for all journalists and media crew working in the war zone -- whatever the terms of employment or engagement may be.

Grave concerns for the safety of a three-person television crew working for ITN has raised further fears over the safety of journalists. ITN reports that British television reporter Terry Lloyd, colleague Fred Nerac and translator Hussein Othman are now presumed dead. The crew reportedly came under "friendly fire" while following forces moving on Basra. Another member of the crew, Daniel Demoustier, was injured but was able to get to safety.

Lloyd was an award-winning correspondent who reported extensively in the past from Cambodia, Bosnia and Kosovo.

The International Federation of Journalists today called for the forces of the United States and its allies to protect all journalists and media staff covering the Iraq conflict - even those not formally travelling under military protection.

For further information

Contact:	Christopher Warren
Union:	MEAA
Phone:	02 9333 0999
Contact Mobile:	0411 757668
Fax:	02 9333 0933
Email:	mail@alliance.org.au
WWW:	http://www.alliance.org.au

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