REPORTERS ENDANGERING IRAQI CHILDREN:
The missiles are filled with volatile rocket fuel and two hundred kilograms of high explosives. Locals fear their children could be injured or their homes destroyed by these deadly weapons.
– ABC TV News, 19 August 2003Gina Wilkinson: Mr Saadi?
– Yes.
Gina Wilkinson: Can we get these two kids to walk around underneath the missile?
Just around it?
– Mohammad. Mohammad.
Gina Wilkinson: And this one?
– (trans) Come here. Go up there. Go with him. Casually, casually. Walk behind him. Go with him. . . .You want to show the children on there?
Gina Wilkinson: Yeah, that would be good. Yeah, if they don’t mind.
– (trans) You want them to stand over there to be filmed?
– (trans) Come on sweetie. What’s her name?
– Noona
– (trans) I’m worried about them.
– Sit. Sit on this.
– (trans) I’m worried about them.
– (trans) Sit on the edge.Gina Wilkinson: Please God, don’t let this thing explode now.
– ABC Camera Tape
This is the Australian equivalent to the BBC (in more ways than one!) not the American Broadcasting Company.
UPDATE: Tim Blair: “I clearly underestimated the ABC’s willingness to harm kids.”