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Subscribe to RSSA number of viewers emailed us about our reporting and treatment of the Lara Logan story last night. Some viewers wondered why we showed her photo (she's a public figure who makes her living on television), while others wondered why we reported that she had been a victim of a sexual assault—and then reporting the family is requesting privacy. It’s important that everyone knows that the news about Lara, and the brutal attack she suffered in Cairo, was issued by CBS News in a statement. It would not have been made public without Lara's permission. Lara and I are on the board of the Committee to Protect Journalists, and it’s my strong suspicion that as a veteran foreign correspondent, she didn't want what happened to her to join the numerous unreported incidents around the world each year. I have communicated with her but I have no personal knowledge of her motivation in releasing this news. I was cheered today (we all were) by word that she's been released from the hospital. But back to the viewer complaints we received: Everyone should know that the details and nature of her attack that we reported was directly from her own network's statement...as was the request for privacy.
We hope to see you tonight for NBC Nightly News.
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I'll be watching. We couldn't have a better person delivering the most important news in the country. Thank you Brian for all you do. We trust and believe in you every day of the week. THANK YOU!
Way to go Brian! It's unbelievable that there are some that are thinking this is some kind of 'publicity stunt'. One of my 'friends' is questioning whether the incident even happened & that because the information released is not complete enough that there is something wrong with that. Great to hear she is out of the hospital and is recovering from the physical attack. The mental scars, of course, might take a lifetime to heal.
I have wondered about the wisdom in sending women into these circumstances. I know they want to be on equal footing with their male colleagues, but some of these nations have such a lack of respect for women that I hate to see them put themselves in that kind of danger. I am sure it is partly there choice to go, though. We worry enough about the male journalists, when it comes to the female journalists in that part of the world, we cringe.
Women have the same right as men to go into the world and do their work. They also take the same risks. There should be no "special" treatment. I want to have that right & I want it for my daughters & granddaughters.
Brian - Just wondering if the folks who filed a complaint with NBC, also contacted the other major networks as well as their local stations, and all the National and Local newspapers also, since it was one of the top stories in the media yesterday.
As unfortunate as making this story public is, people need to know what journalists are dealing with over there. Are they the kind that have NO respect for women, of their nationality or any other, or are they just like some of the pigs we have here?
Brian Williams...the most trusted name in news! You do one awesome job! Keep up the good work!
Brian: Years ago on NBC, a soap opera entitled "Hawkins Falls was on the air. Hugh Downs opened each episode by announcing, "In Hawkins Falls, people say..... How about this for an update: In Cairo, and other cities throughout the Middle East, masses say, enough is enough. The flames continue to enflame Middle Eastern countries. Again on tonight's program Richard Engle gave a enlightening report from the region. How strange to see people burning a large poster of Kadafi in Libya. The events that are enfolding now wouldn't have been anticipated in the past. We are witnessing a mass revolution, with no end in sight. Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Bahran are experiencing the discontent of the masses. Even Iraq is exploding with protests, but Iraq is much more unwilling to listen to its people. When death as a threat is targeted to the opposition, I'm afraid the regime means it. These recent uprisings are truly a major historical event, not only for the Mid-East but for the world.
As far as that story on Lara, I see nothing wrong in reporting a story of such magnitude. People have a right to know what repoters go through in violent areas of the world, especially women. Thanks to the producers for using good judgment.
Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening. My thoughts and prayers go out to Lara Logan after her horrific attack in Cairo. It is terrible that it happened. I am happy she is back in the United States and has been released from the hospital. I wish her a quick recovery and all the best to her and her family.
I am glad both you and Lara are on the board of the Commitee to Protect Journalists because it is so vital to the safety and security of journalists. They are not just journalists they are people and one can never replace people. All Stay Safe!
Now on to the broadcast. First of all Richard's report from Cairo regarding the spreading of uprisings all over the Middle East. It certainly is a wave of revolution all across the region. As Richard stated the Middle East has never seen anything like it with more nations having uprisings against the regimes. Yemen, Bahrain and Libya having huge protests and clashes with police. In Libya thev protests being organized online showed the image if the leader of Libya on fire and gunshots were heard ,but it is not known where they were coming. The protestors are calling for a day of rage in Thursday. It is disturbing to learn the release of 110 militants in Libya. Yet, when Richard spoke to the brother of the top commander in al qaeda in the region and he stated the group was no threat to the West. Iran having similar protests with the government calling for the execution of opposition leaders. Yemen continuing protests for a sixth day and Bahrain with growing crowds and more women involved in the protests. Also, in Iraq people protesting because of corruption in the government and lack of basic services. All these people of these countries wanting freedoms and to live in democracy. So many difficulties since like Yemen for instance the Royal family is Sunni, but many of the people especially the protestors are Shiite. A very unstable situation never seen in the Middle East. Leaving many of the futures of the current rulers of these countries uncertain. One hopes many of these uprisings will lead to peace. And as Richard stated another protest scheduled for Friday in Cairo both to celebrate and to make sure the army keeps the promises of reform they issued to the people.
Excellent Reporting as Always Richard! Stay Extra,Extra Safe Always!
Great reporting Mr.Arouzi and Mr.Kristoff!
On another note the report by Mr.Potter from Florida about the citrus crops being at risk was disturbing new. Learning about the insect that has been causing disease in the crops is terrible for all the growers and most definitely hurt the economy. The growers are really trying to take precautions by spraying pesticides along with fertilizer, but the insects find the unprotected areas which were left by developers and fly over to the crops of the growers. Now the disease infects both areas and it is terrible. One hopes there will be a way to stop the infestation.
Congratulations to "Hickory" the Scottish Deerhound who won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show!
The rehabilitation facility that Gabrielle Giffords is currently receiving therapy looks like a very nice facility with the best treatment possible. She is really making remarkable progress.
Nice piece by Mara Schiavocampo about Jill Scott who has achieved so much success as a singer and also in films. She truly has made a difference with her foundation and helped so many young people to have a bright future.
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Look forward to seeing you on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" tonight! Always fun! Peace to You and to All!
Be Well Everyone!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard! Excellent Report As Always!
Take Extra Good Care Richard And Crew!
Lisa
Dear Mr. Williams,
I find it sickening and abhorrent what happened to Lara Logan. No one deserves to be attacked by anyone, in Egypt or anywhere else. I wish her a fast an speedy recovery and all the best wishes I can muster from the bottom on my heart.
As a respected journalist with the means by which to effect editorial decisions, I'm sure you know that a press release issued by an employer falls fall short of the basis of "running down" a story and verifying it as accurate and providing a credible report to your viewers.
Can you explain to the viewing public why Lara Logan's unfortunate case warrants such extensive media attention when other journalists (and non-journalists) not half as good looking, or as well paid, or who's career has been partly built on her looks, have been attacked, abused and even killed trying to do their work as journalists here in the US and around the world. Those 'other cases' that happen on regular occasion have gone unreported on and ignored by your network and other media outlets as a standard way of doing "business".
Why is that? Can you please explain.
Thank you,
Eric Longabardi
Producer/Investigative Journalist
TeleMedia News Productions
Newport Beach, CA
please forgive my typo.. that is ... "falls far short" .. (correction)
... as do my typing 101 and proofreading abilities!
Dear Lara,
my heart goes out to you and your loved ones who are sharing your pain. I'm a 65 yr old male Vietnam Vet, and YOU are one of my heroes for all the courage and integrity you've shown physically and professionally. The truth you share and the story you write holds a mirror up to the world. It makes us see it for what it is and want to make it a better place. Its what all soldiers fight for, and its a soldier, and a peace maker, that you are. God Bless You and heal you. Lara, we still need you.
You know your job and do it well. Viewers who don't want to hear about the horror done to Lara don't seem to have a problem with the thousands of rapes done hear in the USA. We recently learned Senator Scott Brown was raped as a child but he has no problem releasing the facts in his book he wants you to buy. Lara is a professional like others who know the risk of the job. The viewers might want to speak out to the Pentagon on the rapes done to our female soldiers who don't seem to have support for their horror.
Thanks Brian for keeping us up to date on Lara's condition and also of Gabby. Some are interested and concerned and really care about our fellow Americans.
Now Brian dogs don't carry money for tips. smile. I loved the cat story because you know I love cats. Hopes the weather out there friend?
Looks like Gates got that jet funding dropped. It good to know Weeper Speaker Boehner who has his own famous line So be it when asked about the loss of US government jobs. At lease we know all that stuff about wanting to recovery the Economy and create jobs was only to get the Speaker job and he had no intention of working for the people.
Doing a lot of head shaking tonight.
Much of the fuss over Lara Logan seems to be missing the point. A journalist was attacked while on the job.
Tonight another: Miguel Marquez of ABC, beaten while reporting from Bahrain.
Our concern is how to protect and prevent those upon whom we depend for information about vital issues and events around the world. They are taking tremendous risks and while we thank them for their tremendous efforts on our behalf -- the question is what do we do from here? How can we help them do their job safely? Or is it just too dangerous? I cannot help but wonder what the Committee to Protect Journalists is saying and advising.
It is good to hear Lara is recovering. She is, and has been for a long time, one gutsy lady! God speed and get well.
The same wishes go to Miguel. I hope he is OK and safe.
More head shaking over Richard's 5 minute report on NN. WOW! It was superb!!! And thank you Brian for giving him the 5 minutes to bring us all up to speed on the events in Africa and the Mid-east. Ali Arouzi and Nicholas Kristof -- please take care and be safe -- as you know better than we -- this situation is increasingly dangerous. We worry about you all.
Take care all-
Celine
I am concerned about the lack of coverage for the rallies in Wisconsin. These people are fighting for their rights just as the mideast countries. Help them get their message out. This is the first of many attacks on public service workers. There will be another one on Monday by Gov. Kirsch. It is a plan by Republican governors to bust the unions, weaken the middle class and union workers. If they can destroy the unions the only money donated for the next election for President will be from the corporations thanks to the Supreme Court.
My mother, who was a timekeeper at General Election, belonged to the Union and turned down promotions
where she would not be covered by the Union. My brother, on the other hand, an engineer, was opposed
to unions in general and I am sorry to say I do not know why but I will say my Mother was Valedictorian
of her High School in Burnside and to me she will always be the real Wonder Woman. I understanc
NBC will have a new 1-hour special of Wonder Woman in the Fall. Have a nice weekend all and
THANK GOD it's Friday. Phyllis
Is the Bill against Unions unconstitutional?
To remove the Fifth Fleet may be a viable option, but I am not channeling Secretary of State
Hilliary Clinton, but another very wise blogger. Have a nice weekend to all. Phyllis Kunz
PS I agree with the blogger because I think it will save lives. It is America's role to execute
judgment. At 20-something I had an epiphany there was a plot to weaken the presidency and now
I now why. It is to sabatoge America from fulfilling her destiny
Regis once suggested Kathy Lee Gifford, Miss Joan of Arc, should be sent to the Middle East. Was he
serious? Just asking!!!
Is the Bill against Unions unconstitutional? "All men are created equal...."
"With God it's all or nothing.
I hope whoever said that got it right.
We have an all or nothing situation now in Libya.
Mr. Williams,
Your evening news feature on incandescent bulbs was misleading. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 puts limits on incandescent bulbs in the 40 to 150 watt range and does not ban them. It merely requires that they meet 30% improved efficiency. Incandescent bulbs that meet that standard are available. If factories are closing they are doing so because they can't afford to retool and compete which the cheap CFL imports.
You left unchallenged the idea that CFL bulbs are not instant-on and do not provide the same quality light. My home is lighted almost entirely with instant-on warm light CFLs.
As to the mercury in CFL bulbs, none of it is released to the environment if the bulb is recycled. Lighting with a CFL bulb which isn't recycled but winds up in a landfill releases to the environment 1/3 of the mercury that a coal powered electric plant does to power a incandescent bulb, and that mercury is released to the air eventually winding up in our lakes, rivers and soil.
You may be sleeping with the enemy in America. Isn't there a Julie Roberts movie with that
title, "Sleeping with the Enemy" Sleeping with the Enemy would unnerve you; a high stakes
cat-and-mouse game.