The Protection of Journalists Highlighted at Meridian’s Rising Leaders Council Dinner

Meridian’s Rising Leaders Council hosted a dinner and discussion -- Journalists on the Front Lines: Journalism in 21st Century Warfare-- on the evening of December 4, 2014. We were honored to have journalist and former CBC correspondent, Mellissa Fung, join us to share her story of being kidnapped and held captive while on assignment in Afghanistan. Conversations continued at each table, as chaired by Streering Committee members with participation of journalists from ABC, McClatchy, CNN and CTV, among others. Rising Leaders Co-Chair, Clara Brillembourg, shared framing remarks with the group and Steering Committee member, Bay Fang, guided a Q&A with Ms. Fung. Audience questions and insights focused on the issues of press blackouts, government paid ransoms, and the protection of media, including freelance journalists.

Meridian’s Rising Leaders Council convenes leaders from the foreign diplomatic community with DC-based mid-career professionals to foster a substantive exchange of ideas on global leadership. The Council’s salon-style series offers guests the unique opportunity to explore key issues, share diverse perspectives, and strengthen relationships among this informed group.

Project summary

The Protection of Journalists Highlighted at Meridian’s Rising Leaders Council Dinner | December 2014
Number of Attendees: 30
Impact Areas: Media and Journalism
Program Areas: Diplomatic Engagement
Partners: Private Sector, Individuals/Donors
Bay Fang and Mellissa Fung discuss Journalism in 21st Century Warfare