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NBC's Richard Engel kidnapped in Syria, now free

Discussion in 'Journalism topics only' started by Inky_Wretch, Dec 17, 2012.

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  1. Inky_Wretch

    Inky_Wretch Well-Known Member

    Not many reports out there, for obvious reasons.

    http://gawker.com/5969029/richard-engel-is-missing-in-syria-nbc-news-enforces-news-blackout
     
    Inky_Wretch, Dec 17, 2012
    #1
  2. ADodgen

    ADodgen Member

    Re: NBC's Richard Engel reportedly missing in Syria

    Can someone explain why they'd ask for a blackout (and why Gawker chose to ignore that request)?
     
    ADodgen, Dec 17, 2012
    #2
  3. Flying Headbutt

    Flying Headbutt Moderator Staff Member

    Re: NBC's Richard Engel reportedly missing in Syria

    Really good reporter in a place that really needs it. Pretty sure I saw one of his last reports last week, and he seemed sort of nonchalant about the dangers he faced. Or at least it came off that way in his package, which was really good. I sort of give him credit for not being sensational, and for being there. And now I really hope for the best for him. Really hope he's ok. (and I really don't know how well I articulated my thoughts here, but I promise it's all sincere)
     
    Flying Headbutt, Dec 17, 2012
    #3
  4. NoOneLikesUs

    NoOneLikesUs Active Member

    Re: NBC's Richard Engel reportedly missing in Syria

    Syria hasn't had Internet for a few weeks now. I assume mobile devices don't work either. If Richard's communications equipment was damaged, he just might not be reachable.
     
    NoOneLikesUs, Dec 17, 2012
    #4
  5. Care Bear

    Care Bear Guest

    Re: NBC's Richard Engel reportedly missing in Syria

    I don't know why they would ask for a blackout in this particular instance. In other cases where journalists were kidnapped (again, don't know if that is what happened here), blackouts were requested due to kidnapper demands.

    Prayers for his safe return.

    I don't know for sure why Gawker reported this, but my immediate reaction is that they just plain suck.
     
    Care Bear, Dec 17, 2012
    #5
  6. Boom_70

    Boom_70 Well-Known Member

    Re: NBC's Richard Engel reportedly missing in Syria

    Hope he is ok. His reporting in The Middle East is second to none.
     
    Boom_70, Dec 17, 2012
    #6
  7. Care Bear

    Care Bear Guest

    Re: NBC's Richard Engel reportedly missing in Syria

    He was reachable last Thursday, according to the article. Doesn't make sense.
     
    Care Bear, Dec 17, 2012
    #7
  8. dreunc1542

    dreunc1542 Active Member

    Re: NBC's Richard Engel reportedly missing in Syria

    I was just talking with a friend Friday night who works for Rock Center. He went to Yemen with Engel recently and mentioned that he was in Syria now. So at least as of Friday night, people who work with him didn't seem to suspect anything was wrong.
     
    dreunc1542, Dec 17, 2012
    #8
  9. typefitter

    typefitter Well-Known Member

    Re: NBC's Richard Engel reportedly missing in Syria


    I suspect they've asked for a blackout in case he's been kidnapped and his kidnappers don't know who he is, exactly. Now they know he's an important American TV correspondent.

    That is my guess.

    I would also guess that Gawker decided to break the blackout once cracks starting showing in it on Twitter and elsewhere. These are really hard times to keep a secret.
     
    typefitter, Dec 17, 2012
    #9
  10. deskslave

    deskslave Active Member

    Re: NBC's Richard Engel reportedly missing in Syria

    Indeed. Plays into the kidnappers' hands. If no one knows he's there, then they can negotiate behind the scenes. If everyone knows he's there, there starts to be pressure to get him freed, so the kidnappers can raise any ransom demand.

    It's not at all uncommon in situations like this, even when the person isn't well-known.
     
    deskslave, Dec 17, 2012
    #10
  11. ADodgen

    ADodgen Member

    Re: NBC's Richard Engel reportedly missing in Syria

    Appreciate the replies. I assumed the "Gawker sucks" part on my own, but wasn't sure why the blackout was necessary.

    Praying he returns safely.
     
    ADodgen, Dec 17, 2012
    #11
  12. TheHacker

    TheHacker Member

    Re: NBC's Richard Engel reportedly missing in Syria

    His work is excellent, and I've often seen him reporting from chaotic or dangerous situations and wondered how long he'd keep doing that before he got a post that was less hazardous. Surely his body of work should earn a top assignment back home, or someplace like London if he wants it. But he probably doesn't. Watching his reports, the impression I'm left with is that he loves covering the Middle East and doesn't want to be anywhere else. Let's all hope he's OK.
     
    TheHacker, Dec 17, 2012
    #12
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