Broadcaster Members Caught in the Line of Fire in Ukraine

The loss of life and human tragedy that the world has witnessed since the start of the war in Ukraine is truly incomprehensible. The stories and the images that we have heard and seen are largely the work of the thousands of journalists who are covering this story. SAG-AFTRA journalists are among the many on the ground in Ukraine or in neighboring countries for the purpose of bringing this story to the world.

Unfortunately, these journalists have often been the victims of the atrocities of this war. As of the date of this article, Reporters Without Borders has documented as many as seven reporter deaths and 11 journalists injured by gunfire. The victims of these attacks were riding in vehicles marked “Press” and “TV,” working in buildings known to be television or radio stations and are known to have been wearing press badges or armbands clearly identifying them as press. Many have had their equipment confiscated by Russian military personnel.

Journalists have brought us stories of the indiscriminate taking of civilian life and of the moments of compassion and humanity in the face of this brutality. Journalists know the dangers of covering a war. They know that they will be targets, and we are grateful for the work they do.

This item was originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA magazine spring 2022 issue.