Over 59% Feel Israeli Forces Shot Journalist Shireen

Many professions in the world involve considerable risks. One such profession is journalism, specifically, journalists reporting in war zones. Amid fires, shootings, blasts, etc. journalists work facing risks daily. Recently, the death of a journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh via gunshot wounds left many in shock. Her death triggered many questions regarding the safety of journalists and the risks of journalists reporting war zones.

Thus, Real Research launched a survey on risks and challenges faced by journalists reporting from war zones. The survey aims to find out what society thinks about the challenges faced by journalists. Here are the results.

Highlights

• 59.22% feel Israeli forces were the cause of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh’s death.
• 52.46% say journalists should ‘most definitely’ cover dangerous stories and locations.
• 63.05% say they would risk covering war if they were journalists.

69.45% Are Aware of Shireen Abu Akleh’s Death While Covering a War in Jerusalem

The survey asks whether respondents are aware of Shireen Abu Akleh’s death while covering a war in Jerusalem. To this, a majority are aware of the incident. Whereas, 14.06% have not heard about it. 16.49% however, are unsure.

Next, the survey on risks of journalists reporting war zones asks who respondents feel fired the bullets against Shireen Abu Akleh. In response, 59.22% believe it was Israeli forces. However, 13.68% feel it was Palestinian gunmen that did. 27.10% are unsure.

Accordingly, the survey asks if respondents are following the Russia-Ukraine war. 81.78% say yes, while 18.22% said no. Then, the survey asks if they are satisfied with the news reports of the Russia-Ukraine war. All 60.02% feel yes, that the facts were presented objectively. Whereas, 17.44% say ‘yes, it shows the horror of war’. Lastly, 6.20% say ‘yes, information about the war situation is delivered in real-time.’

Additionally, 4.80% say no, as highlighting only the provocative aspect only views the war as a simple matter of interest. 4% say ‘no, there is a lot of fake news that has not been confirmed’. 3.95% say ‘no, the information is rather biased and not neutral’.

The Majority Agree With Journalists Sent To Cover Dangerous Stories and Locations

Furthermore, the risks of journalists reporting war zones survey asks if journalists should be sent to cover dangerous locations and sites. In response, all 52.46% ‘most definitely’ agree. Whereas 14.38% say definitely, and 17.32% are neutral. 9.73% however suggest that journalists should not be sent to cover at all, and 6.10% say probably not.

Next, the survey asks why respondents believe journalists continue to cover war despite its risks. A majority of 47.86% suggested ‘guaranteeing people’s right to know.’ Whereas, 11.99% said journalists’ voluntary commitment. 10.35% also say conveying facts through objective reporting. 9.79% say for the historical record, whereas, 7.01% suggest promoting public opinion against wars.

Furthermore, 6.53% say for the economic benefit of press media, and 5.19% say telling the horrors of war’.

Steps To Ensure the Safety of Journalists On-site

Next, the survey on risks of journalists reporting war zones asks what are the steps to take to ensure the safety of journalists covering war zones. In response, a majority of 55.66% suggest moderate to tight security. Whereas, 17.70% suggest making it illegal for forces to attack journalists, news media, and media objects.

Moreover, 10.30% recommend the implementation of precautionary measures and protocol (safety gear such as bullet-proof vests, etc.). 9.88% suggested international law should stipulate strict punishments. Lastly, 5.09% feel implementing quick emergency responses in training, availability of first aid, and medical assistance would help ensure safety.

The survey also asks if respondents would risk covering war if they were journalists themselves. All 63.05% said yes, and 14.71% said no. To conclude, the survey asked which was more important, war information transmission or the safety of journalists. 68.17% said transmission of war information. However, 31.83% say the safety of journalists covering the war is more important.