When Reporters Cross The Line: The Heroes, the Villains, the Hackers and the Spies
Author(s): Stewart Purvis (Author), Jeff Hulbert (Author)
Publisher: Biteback
Publication Date: 5 Sept. 2013
Edition: First Edition
Language: English
Print length: 400 pages
ISBN-10: 1849545839
ISBN-13: 9781849545839
Book Description
When Reporters Cross the Line tells the stories of fifteen journalists – among them some of the best-known names in British journalism: John Simpson, Guy Burgess, Lindsey Hilsum – caught up in controversy at moments when the worlds of media, propaganda, politics, espionage and crime collided. These are men and women who went beyond accepted journalistic conventions. Some broke the code of their craft in the name of public interest, but the actions of others led to truly shocking consequences. Many of the details have been secret, until now. This unique account of modern reporting examines the lengths to which journalists on the front line are prepared to go to get a story or to espouse a cause. The book undoubtedly features both journalistic heroes and villains, but certain heroes turn out to be tarnished and some of the villains surprisingly principled. In the heat of war and political conflict, rules are broken and ethics abandoned – and not just by opposing armies. This extraordinary book offers unparalleled access to the mind of reporters and to the often disturbing decisions they make when faced with extreme situations. In doing so, it hammers home some unsavoury truths, and poses the fundamental question: where do you draw the line? Featuring John Simpson, W. N. Ewer, Walter Duranty, Guy Burgess, John Peet, Reg Foster and Brendan Mulholland, Charles Wheeler, Frederick Forsyth, Martin Bell, Sidney Bernstein, Sandy Gall, Lindsey Hilsum, and Andrew Gilligan.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Stewart Purvis was one of the greatest TV journalists of his generation, known for his energy, imagination and pioneering techniques. Now he’s established himself as Britain’s top analyst of the ethics and dilemmas of broadcast journalism. –Michael Crick, Channel 4 News Political Correspondent
A brilliant new book by Stewart Purvis. –Peter Preston, The Observer
I would like to commend to every reporter and editor, no matter how experienced, Stewart Purvis’s excellent book ‘When a Reporters Cross the Line:the Heroes,the Villains,the Hackers and the Spies’. It should be essential reading for every journalist. –Michael Reupke
A fascinating read. –Choice
[The book] offers unparalleled access to the minds of reporters and to the often disturbing decisions they make when faced with extreme situations. –Military History Monthly
This book should be on the reading list for every journalism and philosophy course taught in British universities. –Ethical Space, International Journal of Communication Ethics
This book should be on the reading list for every journalism and philosophy course taught in British universities. –Ethical Space, International Journal of Communication Ethics
About the Author
Stewart Purvis is Professor of Television Journalism at City University London. He worked for the BBC and for ITV, where he spent 31 years as a producer, Editor of Channel 4 News, Editor-in-Chief of ITV News at Ten and Chief Executive of ITN, before his retirement in 2007. Jeff Hulbert is a media historian and an honorary research fellow in the Journalism Department at City University London.
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