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From: spangler@kvue.UUCP (Lance Spangler)
Newsgroups: net.politics,net.tv
Subject: MURDER of CBS News crew in Lebanon
Message-ID: <165@kvue.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 23-Mar-85 19:54:16 EST
Article-I.D.: kvue.165
Posted: Sat Mar 23 19:54:16 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 27-Mar-85 04:00:52 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: KVUE-TV, Austin
Lines: 51
Xref: watmath net.politics:8234 net.tv:2700

This past week, while conducting its "Iron Fist" policy of withdrawal in 
Southern Lebanon, two freelance employees of CBS News were killed by a 
shell fired from an Israeli tank crew.  There have been conflicting reports
on whether the crew was (1) in the company of armed terrorists/guerilla 
fighters, (2) visable/recognizable to the tank crew, and (3) in a location
approved by the Israelis for TV news crews. 
 
As in any war situation, the journalist must take some chances.  The central 
American conflict, Vietnam, Korea, the 1967 mideast war, and others are good 
examples.  But I believe it's incumbent upon the various factions to take extra
precautions to prevent the death of ANY journalist covering the event.  Public
opinion often plays an important part in any armed conflict.  In this nation, 
the perception of the American public can sway administration policy.  I would
think such a "public relations attitude" would be especially important to both
the Israelis and the various Moslem and Christian factions fighting in Lebanon
at this very moment. 
 
But the Israelis have forbidden any Beirut journalists from covering the 
withdrawal, since they have to travel from North to South.  They have said that
Israel based journalists may cover the withdrawl, but only under Israeli 
Defense Force rules.  These rules include telling the various news crews what
they may and may not shoot.  Often the only thing they are allowed to shoot are
pictures of tanks withdrawing from an area.  They may not take pictures of the
Israelis killing "suspected" terrorists.  They may not take pictures of the 
weapons the Israelis say they take out of homes in Shiite villages.  They may
not take pictures or report on the interrogation of suspected terrorists. 
 
Please understand that I am NOT supporting either the Israelis or the other
factions.  A journalist can not take sides when covering an issue or conflict. 
And while I am not in Lebanon covering the event, I am presenting the facts to
a very large viewing audience, helping shape public opinion in the process. 
What I am looking for is someone who can possibly make me understand what gives
the IDF forces the right to take the lives of two innocent, impartial journal
ists who are simply doing their job.  
 
I would hope that someone can supply these answers.  Because at this moment, I 
harbor some very hostile feelings toward the Israeli government.  They have 
killed two co-workers of mine, brothers of the cloth so to speak.  
 
In an attempt to head off some flames, let me say that I am working quite hard
to prevent these personal feelings from influencing my news judgement, and I 
believe I have done just that since the murders occured.  


	UUCP:  ihnp4!ut-sally!kvue!spangler	Lance Spangler
	Telco: 512-459-1433 (Pvt. biz line) 	Senior Producer
	Telco: 512-346-4447 (Home / evenings)   KVUE Television
	                                        Austin, Texas

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