****
****
Then we must ask: has the journalist been led astray from doing his true job?
It is sometimes said, almost scathingly, that such a journalist "has become part of the story."
Or has he/she simply stepped up to a higher level of involvement -- the level of "hero?"
In an age where, as always, journalism is sullied by greed, propaganda, and superficial hype it is well to re-remember those stellar occasions when reporters rise to the challenge.
When they grab onto a story --and never, never let go.
A journalist is about as perfect as a cop -- but occasionally just as heroic.
*****
****
****
So when is it appropriate for the media to become part of the story?
To move beyond simply watching and reporting to stepping in actively to participate?
Three preconditions:
1) When lives are at stake.
2) When there is no one else around willing or able to step in.
3) When abandoning all pretense of detachment and objective produces an "even better story."
And that is what happened with CNN's medical reporter, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
When on January 15 a Belgian relief group ordered its medical team withdrawn for security reasons from a temporary hospital set up in earthquake stricken Haiti.
All three pre-conditions were met.
Dr. Gupta remained all through the night in the makeshift hospital, tending to the injured, caring for the sick and post operative patients the doctors had abandoned.
****
An Overview of Situation by Dr. Sanjay Gupta
