Unveiling the Struggles of Reporting Conflict: Jake Tapper's Take on Media Censorship and Shocking Revelations
CNN's Jake Tapper candidly discusses the challenges of reporting on war, his concerns about excessive censorship in news outlets, and the shocking moments that have impacted him Read our unedited Q&A with Tapper for a deep dive into his experiences
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The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a large number of civilian casualties and forced almost 2 million people in Gaza to flee, creating a critical humanitarian crisis. This has also created a difficult situation for the international press, as the conflict has drawn global attention and the distinction between truth and falsehood is becoming increasingly unclear. Journalists reporting on the Middle East conflict are confronted with complex challenges on a daily basis, often in real-time.
We interviewed CNN's Jake Tapper on Tuesday for an in-depth discussion about covering the war. The unedited Q&A can be found below.
What has been the biggest challenge in reporting on the Israel-Hamas conflict?
In the fog of war, it's always difficult not knowing the exact situation at any given moment, with initial reports being unreliable and biased sources of information. It can be challenging to accurately portray the graphic nature of a savage attack by Hamas, especially when broadcasting live and potentially disturbing viewers. As a journalist, how do you balance these conflicting needs?
I have grappled with this issue for over a decade, especially when I wrote "The Outpost" in 2012. I struggled with determining how graphic to be in print.
I believe that the news media, globally, censors too much. I think that showing the reality of war, gun violence, and the effects of fentanyl and opioids would improve the quality of journalism. However, I have come to understand why these battles are not won. Nevertheless, I do not believe that hiding these images is any less of an overt act than showing them.
The events of October 7 had a significant impact on the current situation in Gaza, especially for the Israelis and the hostages. It is essential to bring attention to the fact that the Israelis view Hamas as a serious threat to their existence. Regardless of opinions on the IDF's response, October 7 marked a shift in Israel's containment strategy towards Hamas. The portrayal of these events by the Arab world and some progressive groups, including denial, is also an important aspect to consider. This reminds me of General Eisenhower's belief that people should be aware of such events to understand the cause they are fighting for and the adversary they face.
Last week, a significant and deeply troubling article was released regarding Israeli police conducting investigations into instances of sexual assault during the Hamas assault. This report sparked important discussions within the international community, prompting some to highlight the lack of attention given to this issue. Do you think this matter should receive more scrutiny?
It is truly appalling. The extent to which Hamas terrorists engaged in rape and sexual violence against women and girls on October 7 is abhorrent, with evidence and witnesses attesting to the brutality. This story was particularly challenging to cover, given the graphic and horrifying nature of the acts.
Where is the international community for women? Where are the feminists in the U.S.? Do these girls and women not deserve recognition as victims for some reason? I did not realize that being a victim of rape came with conditions.
On a different note, some critics argue that the news media has failed to accurately portray the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza. What do you think about these criticisms?
I've read numerous detailed reports on life in Gaza, but it's currently extremely dangerous to be there right now, with journalists being killed.
According to U.S. policymakers, the problem is twofold: Firstly, Hamas carried out a brutal attack on Israel on October 7 and then retreated to Gaza, using the civilian population as cover. Their spokespersons have openly stated that they are unconcerned about the loss of Palestinian civilian lives, and have invested in tunnels for the safety of Hamas fighters, putting the responsibility of protecting Palestinian civilians on the United Nations.
The Biden administration has consistently stated that Israel is not adequately protecting civilian casualties during its bombing campaign against Hamas. As a result, thousands of innocent civilians have tragically lost their lives. Journalists are facing considerable challenges in gaining access to Gaza and reporting on the devastating impact of the war, making coverage of this conflict particularly difficult compared to other war zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan, or Ukraine.
The global rise in antisemitism in the aftermath of the war has been alarming. As one of the most prominent Jewish anchors worldwide, have you experienced an increase in prejudiced attacks personally targeted against you?
My faith merely influences my journalism by providing me with insight into the experience of being a religious minority. I approach all individuals, including Muslims, Mormons, Catholics, and others, with the same understanding. I do not presume that someone's faith dictates their beliefs.
That's all there is to it.
As both a journalist and a human, I long for an end to the suffering caused by war. I envision a world where all individuals can experience democracy and self-determination. At this time, there is a clear increase in antisemitism, particularly online. However, hurtful words are merely words compared to the harrowing experiences of those living in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.
Over 50 journalists have lost their lives in the region since the war began, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists. What would you like to convey to the reporters who are putting their lives at risk to share this story with the world?
I have always admired those who brave the dangers of war to report on it. I have visited war zones in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Israel, but always with caution. I can hardly fathom what to say to those who knowingly enter even more perilous situations.
Id like to switch gears for a moment and ask about the Home for Our Troops auction. You teamed up with George Clooney, Wynonna Judd, Don Cheadle, and Mindy Kaling to raise money for injured post-9/11 veterans. How did the auction do this year? What was the top-selling item?
The majority of the funds go towards constructing specially adapted, mortgage-free homes for severely injured US veterans. The auction team is comprised of myself, who contacts celebrities, the celebrities themselves who generously donate, and an employee from Homes for Our Troops. It is a significant achievement.
The top auction item varies each year. This year, I anticipated it would be 18 holes of golf with Jason Bateman and Will Arnett at the Bel Air country club, but it turned out to be two tickets to the premiere of Jake Gyllenhaal's next movie, which I believe will be Roadhouse. Undoubtedly, it is money well spent.
