FRONT LINES FRIDAY / JOURNALISTS REDOUBLE YOUR EFFORTS TO WORK SAFELY

  

BREAKING NEWS: Florida equal opportunity murderer arrested for slaying black people, white people, male, female and for evil measure a year old child.

Following is a statement from National Press Club President Eileen O’Reilly and National Press Club Journalism President Gil Klein on the shooting of two Spectrum 13 (Orlando) journalists late last month: slain reporter Dylan Lyons and critically injured photographer Jesse Walden. 

 “We were horrified to hear the news that two journalists for Spectrum News 13 were shot while reporting on the scene of a third shooting in Pine Hills, Fla. tonight. One of the journalists has died and the other is injured. Police have detained a 19-year old suspect. They believe all three shootings are connected. Our hearts go out to the families of the journalists and their newsroom colleagues at Spectrum 13. This is another tragic reminder that journalism is a dangerous business and that criminals and those that are the subject of reporting can become violent toward reporters who are doing their jobs. We urge all reporters in the field to take extra precaution and redouble efforts to work safely. We call on those who use hateful rhetoric against journalists online to carefully consider the consequences of their actions. These journalists, whose names have not been released by Spectrum 13, join Las Vegas journalist Jeff German as among those U.S. journalists who have been brutally attacked for their work in just the past year.” 

 Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization and is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide. 

 The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged, global citizenry through an independent and free press and equips journalists with the skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. 

Spectrum News 13's parent company, Charter Communications, released a statement following the attack:

Slain TV reporter Dylan Lyons

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and the other lives senselessly taken today," the statement reads. "Our thoughts are with our employee's family, friends and co-workers during this very difficult time. We remain hopeful that our other colleague who was injured makes a full recovery. This is a terrible tragedy for the Orlando community."

In a statement, CNN called the shooting "an absolute tragedy" and noted that the organization "stands with our affiliate partner, Spectrum News 13, and will support them and the families of these journalists in any way we can."