The horrific killings of James Foley and Steven Sotloff alerted the world that journalists work at immense risk, but the reality is hundreds of journalists around the world are have been deliberately murdered in direct connection to their work; the vast majority are local journalists, covering local stories. Some reported on conflict but many others were silenced for trying to expose corruption, human rights abuses, crime and politics among other issues vital to their communities. In 9 out of 10 cases their killers face no consequences.
Until we see the political will to prosecute all those responsible for the murders of journalists, including those who commission the crimes as well as the trigger-man, they will remain targets year after year.