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Fear for Journalists Still in Iran’s Prisons

by richard075

Fear for Journalists Still in Iran’s Prisons:
Others Work Amid Air Strikes, Menacing Phone Calls
Gayle King to Stay at CBS, but Shawna Thomas Is Out
Dorothy Gilliam Donates $10,000 to Laid-Off WaPo Workers

Black Person Joins WaPo ‘Intelligence Councils’
Gilbert Bailon Becomes NAHJ Deputy Director
DuJuan McCoy Wins OK to Acquire Second Indy Station

Jackson Passing Hastened Debut of ‘Civil Rights TV ‘
White House Journos, Too, Had to Decide on Inviting Trump
Rochelle Riley Leaving Detroit for Charleston, S.C.
African Public Not Buying What China TV Is Selling

Homepage photo: “The Center for Human Rights in Iran is gravely concerned about the safety and condition of political prisoners and detainees as military attacks on Iranian cities intensify.”

From Jan. 12. If no image is visible, please consider changing browsers.

Others Work Amid Air Strikes, Menacing Phone Calls

The Committee to Protect Journalists said this week it is “gravely concerned about the safety of all journalists imprisoned in Iran amid the ongoing regional escalation and reiterates its calls on Iranian authorities to release them immediately and unconditionally.”

The Committee has been there before.

 Lucinda Jordaan wrote in 2023 for the World Association of News Publishers:

“The Committee to Protect Journalists has a comprehensive archive of articles on the many different incidents of media oppression in Iran. A scroll through pages of arresting headlines tells a chilling story: Iranian authorities are ruthless and relentless in their efforts to muzzle opposition, with at least one major incident per-month over the past four years alone.

“Iran is an authoritarian country with a history of violent oppression. Public beatings and state-sanctioned executions are commonplace, and uprisings are summarily shot down.“

On Tuesday, CPJ said, “A near-total internet blackout and severe communication disruptions have effectively cut off detainees from contact with their families and the outside world, deepening concerns about their safety and well-being.“No journalists should be jailed for their work, and in times of heightened instability, the lives of those in custody are at even greater risk.

“CPJ’s data shows that at least 15 journalists remain behind bars in Iran. Three of them – Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh (pictured), Japanese journalist Shinnosuke Kawashima, and Mohammad Zare-Foumani – are held in Evin prison, located in a neighborhood of Tehran that the Israeli army has ordered residents to evacuate.

​”Evin Prison was struck during Israel’s 12-day war on Iran last June in an attack that killed at least 80 people, including prisoners and social workers, according to Human Rights Watch. In its aftermath, Valizadeh’s already dire health issues deteriorated significantly.

​”Since the latest U.S. and Israeli strikes began on Saturday, human rights groups and relatives of those detained have warned of prison authorities abandoning the facility and major food shortages in the wards.

“The wife of political prisoner Mostafa Mohammadhasan described conditions at the prison as ​’very bad’, reporting that the facility is now under the control of special counter-terrorism forces after prison officials left the facility. These developments have likely further exacerbated fear, psychological distress, and insecurity among a population wholly dependent on the authorities for its safety and basic survival.

​”CPJ urgently calls on Iranian authorities to immediately release all jailed journalists without delay and to ensure the safety, humane treatment, and access to food, medical care and communication for all detainees. Journalists must not be made to bear the consequences of the escalating conflict.”

Atlantic staff writers Tom Nichols, Toluse Olorunnipa and Nancy A. Youssef discuss the United States and Israel’s joint attack on Iran with staff writer Vivian Salama on Wednesday.  At one point, 6,624 people were watching the lunchtime YouTube livestream, and the figure climbed to 32,965 at midday Thursday as others watched the recording. (Credit: YouTube)

 ​CPJ is not alone in expressing concern for journalists covering the conflict.

“Since the start of the U.S.-Israeli offensive on Iran, journalists in the country have been working amid the hostile air strikes while also facing repression from the Iranian regime,” Reporters Without Borders said Wednesday.

“Internet access in the country remains limited and information is scarce. As war spreads across the region, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) expresses its solidarity with journalists in the zone and calls on all parties involved in the conflict to guarantee their protection and  the right to information.

The group also said, “ ‘Journalists are working under foreign bombs and receiving menacing phone calls from the authorities,’ an independent journalist told RSF. Afraid of reprisals, he requested anonymity. ​’This political pressure hasn’t stopped with the war. On the contrary, it has intensified since the announcement of [Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei’s death.​’ “

CNN’ s Brian Stelter reported Wednesday for his “Reliable Sources” newsletter, “News outlets continue to obtain and verify videos and photos from inside Iran, however, and some eyewitness accounts continue to emerge. This morning The AP quoted a Tehran resident ‘who spoke on condition of anonymity for the fear of reprisals.’

“A Reliable reader wrote in about something I should have pointed out yesterday: That Al Jazeera “has been reporting from inside Iran and showing images from throughout the country. Correspondents Mohamed Vall and Mazier Motamedi have been broadcasting live from Tehran. ‘The number of civilians killed is more than one thousand right now,’ Vall said in a live shot just now.

“Additionally, the PBS [‘News Hour,”] France 24 and Drop Site News have featured Tehran dispatches from correspondent Reza Sayah.“

The New York Post was among media outlets stoking the drama over Gayle King’s future. 

Gayle King to Stay at CBS, but Shawna Thomas Is Out

“ ‘CBS Mornings’ co-host Gayle King signed a new deal with CBS News, according to people familiar with the matter, securing a high-profile network talent during a dramatic shake-up of the news organization,          ‘ Isabella Simonetti and Joe Flint reported Wednesday for The Wall Street Journal.

But on Thursday, another shoe dropped.

“Shawna Thomas (pictured), who has guided CBS News’ morning program through several major transitions since joining as executive producer in 2021, is making one of her own,” Brian Steinberg reported for Variety.

“The journalist, who has won plaudits for her entrepreneurial career and hard-won knowledge of Washington, will leave ‘CBS Mornings,’ part of what is expected to be another overhaul of the program that may have it embrace some of the frillier trappings of the daypart that it has previously avoided.

“CBS News on Wednesday announced that both of the current ‘CBS Morning’ co-hosts, Gayle King and Nate Burleson, would stay with the A.M. showcase for the foreseeable future, with CBS News President Tom Cibrowski calling them ‘fantastic partners on the show,’ while adding: ‘We are excited to continue to evolve CBS Mornings and can’t wait for what’s to come.’ King and Burleson are likely be joined in weeks to come by a rotation of guest hosts who could hail from CBS’ own talent roster, according to a person familiar with the matter, or might just be celebrities or notables ready to hang out in the studio. The third seat at the show has been empty since Tony Dokoupil left to take anchor duties at ‘CBS Evening News.’ ”

Simonetti and Flint continued Wednesday, “King’s current contract runs through May. It is worth roughly $15 million, according to a person familiar with the matter. Terms of her new deal weren’t disclosed. . . .

“ ‘Rumors of my demise were inaccurate and greatly exaggerated,’ King said Wednesday. ‘CBS News is my longtime home, and I am committed to our mission. I’m excited about continuing at ‘CBS Mornings.’ As always, I’m open to new adventures here and ready to go. It took a minute, but we got there. And now that we are here, I am all in’ . . . .”

Separately, “Anderson Cooper debunked President Donald Trump‘s claims of a ‘genocide’ of white South African farmers on Sunday’s (February 22) edition of 60 Minutes,” Martin Holmes reported Feb. 23 for TV Insider..

“The report, which The Daily Beast says was previously delayed by new CBS News boss Bari Weiss and subjected to an ‘abnormal’ editing process, aired on Sunday’s show and saw Cooper traveling to South Africa to investigate Trump’s claims. . . .”

TheGrio accompanied its story on Dorothy Butler Gilliam’s donation with this “True Story” video from 2019, “The untold story of Black undercover reporters.” (Credit: YouTube)

Gilliam Donates $10,000 to Laid-Off WaPo Workers

“When retired journalist Dorothy Butler Gilliam heard about the mass layoffs at the Washington Post in early February, the news stunned her. The Post hired Gilliam in 1961 as its first Black woman reporter, and the newspaper remains dear to her heart for many reasons,” Dara Mathis reported Monday for Washingtonian magazine.

“ ‘It made me very sad, even upset, because I know many people read the Post and depend on the Post, and this certainly is one of those times when we need some balance in the information that’s available,” she says.

“The veteran reporter, who is 89, felt compelled to act, sending a donation of $10,000 to a GoFundMe created for laid-off Washington Post Guild members. Her gift ties two other $10,000 donations for the fundraiser’s top givers — one by journalist Kara Swisher and another by an anonymous patron. So far, the campaign has raised nearly $594,000.

“Gilliam says she made the gift because ‘I was inspired by the people who work at the paper who continue to make a significant difference in the city. . . .’ ”

From left, Soledad O’Brien, TV anchor and producer, with Asmau Ahmed, center, and Jenna Wortham, staff writer for The New York Times Magazine. (Credit: Champion Hamilton)

Black Person Joins WaPo ‘Intelligence Councils’

Since last fall, the Washington Post has been touting its “WP Intelligence Councils” in multiple-page ads in its print edition, announcing that the councils are “bringing together influential leaders from diverse industries.

“These leaders will collaborate on addressing global challenges, shaping policy and driving innovation.”

As this column has noted, it appeared that not one Black person was among them, a development that coincided – suspiciously, some said — with owner Jeff Bezos’ cozying up to Donald Trump.

That absence changed Thursday, when Asmau Ahmed, chief AI and tech officer of Varo Bank, was among the 67 people in the six-page ad. Ahmed describes herself as “​A grounded and transformative technology and AI product executive, known for driving commercial growth through radical yet responsible innovation across enterprise and consumer markets,” She has been featured in Essence magazine and WWD, among other publications.

“There will certainly be others,” Aimee Ozeki, who manages sales for the program, messaged Journal-isms.

“The WP Intelligence Council is a paid membership opportunity for leaders, and as we continue to grow the community, diversity is something I care deeply about while also recruiting exceptional leaders who choose to join us.

“If you have anyone in mind, please let me know.” Ozeki is at aimee.ozeki (at) washpost.com

Where do sales come in? According to the Post website, “WP Intelligence accepts sponsorship payments for specific convenings requested by clients for moderated events or meals, under Chatham House rules. These events are not open to the public and are invite-only, and are part of the exclusivity of the WP Intelligence membership proposition.”

 

​

Gilbert Bailon Becomes NAHJ Deputy Director

Gilbert Bailon, longtime news industry leader and a former president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, has returned to the organization as deputy director, NAHJ announced.Monday.

“My career has gone full circle. The National Association of Hispanic Journalists helped me land my first full-time job some 45 years ago. Latinos and journalists face intense challenges today,” Bailon wrote on social media. “After decades in newsrooms, I am joining NAHJ as deputy director to help drive the mission of hashtag#MoreLatinosInNews. Now is not our future. La lucha sigue.”

Bailon was executive editor of news platforms and the second-ranking newsroom editor at Chicago Public Media, which includes Chicago public broadcasting’s WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times and the radio station Vocalo.

As WBEZ said when Bailon was hired in 2023, the newsroom leader was “most recently the executive editor at KERA, Dallas’s NPR affiliate. He departed that position in May after 14 months on the job — calling it ‘an issue of fit.’

“Before KERA, Bailon spent nearly 15 years at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, including as editor-in-chief for a decade. During his tenure, he oversaw the newspaper’s coverage of the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and subsequent social unrest. The Post-Dispatch won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize in breaking news photography and was a Pulitzer finalist for editorial writing related to Ferguson.

“Earlier in his career, Bailon was the executive editor of the Dallas Morning News, where he launched Al Día, a Spanish-language newspaper. He is also a past president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the American Society of Newspaper Editors.”

NAHJ also announced that Susana Sanchez (pictured) ​is join​ing palabra. by NAHJ, NAHJ’s online news publication, as part-time ​multimedia ​art ​director.​ “A visual journalist with more than two decades of experience at the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post and the South Florida Sun Sentinel, she brings serious creative expertise to our team.

​”Over the last four years, NAHJ has nearly doubled its staff, grown to close to 4,000 members and expanded programming across the U.S. and Puerto Rico,​” the organization said.

Adam Jacobson of Radio & Television Business Report wrote in October that the acquisition of a second station by DuJuan McCoy, above, would be “a transaction that is both historic and emblematic of the pending landscape changes for broadcast television ownership in the U.S., pending expected deregulation of the FCC’s current rules.”

DuJuan McCoy Wins OK to Acquire Second Indy Station

“FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s effort to bolster local TV stations just produced a major victory for DuJuan McCoy, an African-American TV station operator/owner in the Indianapolis market,” Ted Hearn reported Tuesday for Broadband Breakfast.

“In a decision Friday, the FCC said McCoy’s Circle City Broadcasting (CCB) could acquire the local ABC affiliate from Scripps, an $83 million deal giving CCB three stations total and one more than permissible under FCC rules.

“The four-page decision, handed down by Media Bureau Chief Erin Boone, concluded that waiving the two-to-a-market cap would not harm competition in a market where Nexstar and TEGNA operate stations and that forcing the sale of CCB’s WNDY-TV (a MyNetworkTV affiliate) would likely lead to less local news in Indianapolis.

“ ‘We find that special circumstances warrant grant of [CCB’s] waiver request. Circle City has determined that its acquisition of ABC affiliate WRTV is essential to its continuing viability as a broadcaster in the Indianapolis DMA,’ Boone said. . . .”

The PBS “Frontline” documentary on Jesse Jackson’s history-making 1988 presidential campaign, made in 1989 , can be viewed on YouTube.

Jackson Passing Hastened Debut of  ‘Civil Rights TV ‘

A 24/7 national  television channel dedicated to civil rights movement has launched from Selma, Ala., its start date hastened by the Feb. 17 death of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, according to the channel’s founder.

“The timing of the launch ultimately became more urgent than originally planned,” Larry Witherspoon (pictured, below), founder of Civil  Rights TV, messaged Journal-isms.

“Our original target was April, but the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson underscored the importance of ensuring that the legacy, lessons, and unfinished work of the civil rights movement continue to be documented and discussed in real time. His life represented both a historical bridge to the movement and a reminder that the work of civil rights is ongoing.”

Multiple stories about Jackson are included on the site.

“Civil Rights TV was designed to present civil rights through three lenses: historical context, current developments, and future implications — particularly as emerging technologies reshape how information is distributed and preserved.”

Asked about the Achilles heel of many new ventures – undercapitalization – Witherspoon replied, “From an operational standpoint, this project is not a start-up in the traditional sense. The broadcast infrastructure behind Civil Rights TV has been developing for nearly two decades. Our organization has been building and managing digital broadcast networks since 2006, beginning with early convergence projects in mobile media distribution. Today that infrastructure supports more than 250 continuous streaming television and radio channels operating globally.

“Civil Rights TV represents the application of that established infrastructure toward a focused mission — preserving and expanding access to civil rights history, news, and dialogue at a time when questions about information integrity, historical record, and algorithmic visibility have become increasingly important.

“The long-term sustainability of the platform is supported by that established broadcast architecture and distribution model, which has been operating successfully for many years.”

White House Journos, Too, Had to Decide on Inviting Trump 

Some members of the National Association of Black Journalists still have not forgiven the organization for inviting Donald Trump to the association’s 2024 convention in Chicago, as it had other presidential candidates.

As recently as two weeks ago, the New York Times Magazine’s Nikole Hannah-Jones was quoted in The Nation: “When you have an autocratic presidential candidate, you don’t treat that person like a normal presidential candidate. NABJ in particular was created to advocate for Black journalists. We didn’t learn anything new about his views. There was nothing there that journalists got. What journalists did get was completely disrespected in our own territory.”

Now Trump has accepted an invitation to address the White House Correspondents’ Dinner April 25 after having boycotted it all during his times in office.

“Now he will be a featured guest at an event intended to honor press freedom after a year in which he has sued news organizations for enormous sums, banned Associated Press reporters from some White House events and spearheaded intimidation tactics against the press,” Shawn McCreesh and Michael M. Grynbaum reported Monday for The New York Times.

The president of the correspondents’ association, Weija Jiang (pictured), who is Chinese American, had her own episode with Trump in 2020, in which Trump was accused of racism.

Still, the White House correspondents came to the same decision as did NABJ’s leaders.

“For more than 100 years, the journalists of the White House Correspondents’ Association have enjoyed an evening with the president, a dinner that celebrates the First Amendment while supporting the work we do including awards honoring excellent journalism and scholarships to help the next generation of reporters who someday will be the ones asking the questions at the White House,” Jiang said in a statement.

“We’re happy the president has accepted our invitation and look forward to hosting him.”

Rochelle Riley Leaving Detroit for Charleston, S.C.

“After 25 years, Rochelle Riley (pictured) is saying farewell to Detroit,” Duante Beddingfield reported Feb. 25 for the Detroit Free Press.

“The award-winning journalist, author and arts advocate, who until recently served as director of Arts and Culture for the City of Detroit, has accepted a new role in Charleston, South Carolina, as director of Cultural Affairs, beginning March 16.

“Riley is still widely recognized for her long tenure as a columnist at the Detroit Free Press, where she wrote powerfully about issues like education, equity, government accountability and civil rights. Her columns earned national acclaim and helped shape public dialogue on social justice. . . .”

Bureaucratic dysfunction, leadership churn and tightening political controls have left China’s African media experiment struggling to find relevance.

African Public Not Buying What China TV Is Selling

“China has spent nearly two decades assembling a media empire in Africa,” Bloomb​erg Businessweek Industries reported this week.

​”Its broadcasters, newswires and print publications have hired hundreds of journalists, opened dozens of bureaus, built state-of-the-art studios and engaged high-profile local anchors to spread Beijing’s message across the continent.

“It has one big problem: Few people watch. Bureaucratic dysfunction, leadership churn and tightening political controls have left China’s African media experiment struggling to find relevance in a region that will be home to more than a quarter of the world’s population by 2050. Africans watch the BBC, Al Jazeera and CNN, but even China’s marquee media brands barely figure in public debate in most countries on the continent.

“Audiences are more attuned to news from the West than from China, which generates distrust,” says Confidence MacHarry, an analyst at SBM Intelligence, a political risk consulting firm in Lagos. … Today the country spends billions of dollars annually on its global media efforts, the US State Department estimates. … Despite the slow progress — or perhaps because of it — Chinese media appear to have decided they would rather reach African elites than mass audiences.

“One CGTN staffer who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly put it bluntly: The target audience is no longer the African public, but the continent’s governments.”

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