NPR Journalists Are Targeted in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina

After the Hurricane Katrina devastation, many people felt that journalists (like those at NPR) were doing too much criticizing and not enough helping. This is just part of the article in which NPR editor Ellen Weiss speaks out on the subject.

'Don't Stop Being Human'

Ellen Weiss is the senior national editor for NPR News. She oversees the complex editorial and logistical requirements for reporters and producers sent to the stricken areas.

I think for the most part NPR reporters understand that they are in the field to tell the story -- not get involved. They are also often in the same position as the people they are covering -- in danger, or without shelter, food or water. At the same time, you just don't stop being… human. I remember [NPR's] Mike Shuster on his "silk road" series -- talking about picking up an injured Afghan boy and giving him a ride to the hospital or to safety miles away -- I know our reporters in New Orleans gave people rides elsewhere -- gave whatever water they could spare to people they met -- but they understand that they can't jeopardize their own health and safety. An interesting example is what happened to Sarah Chayes -- she was a freelancer for us in Europe and then Afghanistan -- and she did become so involved there that she simply left journalism and went into aid work.