The Deadly Job of Drug War Correspondent

Journalists put their lives at risk covering the border-town violence in Juarez, Mexico, where they find themselves on cartel hit lists. (Time)

The drug war raging in Jaurez, Mexico, is a real war complete with guns and casualties. One of the most dangerous jobs in this Mexican border town is that of a journalist.

There were over 1,500 drug-related murders in Juarez in 2008. Reporting and photographing the grisly violence puts print and television journalists on the cartel’s hit lists. Some travel with armed guards. For safety reasons, many have chosen to leave the country.

Several journalists tell their stories in this video by Time magazine. For their protection, their faces are hidden and their voices have been changed. They describe the murders of colleagues and the experience of witnessing violence almost daily.

One reporter says his mother is terribly worried about him. But he tells her this is a choice he has made because he thinks the bloody story must be told.

This video contains graphic images of dead bodies. Viewer discretion is advised.

CHANNEL: Time

Length: 4:27

Video Journalist: Mark Allen Johnson
Supervising Producer: Craig Duff

VIEW: http://www.time.com/time/video/?bcpid=1485842900&bctid=22820846001

SEE ALSO:
“On the Bloody Border: Mexico's Drug Wars”
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1893512,00.html