The eyes of the world through the lens of a camera.
I’m regularly asked by people if what we do as journalists can change anything. Well it’s not our job to set out and change the world – we are there to witness and report the world’s events neutrally without fear or favour. At best our job is to inform people and let them know what is going on, which is a valuable part of the democratic process.
Wise words from Channel 4 News cameraman Stuart Webb. I’m intrigued to know that if journalists/cameramen film what they see in front of them, do they have to remain impartial. It is, after all – reality. I think during times of war it can be hard to remain impartial but one thing it can do is open our eyes up to those particular events and we can judge for ourselves.
All the pictures of atrocities in Bosnia didn’t stop the war there or end the genocide in Rwanda – but maybe the pictures and experience of Bosnia prompted the west to act quicker in Kosovo.
Stuart goes on to say in his blog that the media can play a vital role particularly when it comes to natural disasters and works vitally hard to get the best possible pictures to convey the mess of a particular situation.
But natural disasters are maybe one area where the media can have a very positive influence. People at home and around the world can only gauge how bad a disaster really is when the media all pitch up and show it.
The coverage becomes part of process which prompts people and governments to donate money and act. So when I cover a story like Haiti I always work as hard as I can to get the story out – I’m there to do my job but if what I do can help, then there is a responsibility to try even harder.
War and natural disasters are hard and dangerous enough places to work in without having to focus on getting your piece accurate and impartial. For me bearing witness, recording events and informing the public with the lens of a camera is just as important.
In the Line of Fire, won the International Current Affairs RTS Award in 2004. The film has some remarkable footage moments after a US bomb in Iraq – killing 16 and injuring 45. It provides a unique insight into the horrors of war. I recommend you watch it.
Another video featuring a cameraman – this time Brit Jeff Chagrin, who was shot while attempting to cover Afghanistan.
On the Fence 