Fox News wanted war images in Ukraine - their journalists died
Summary
NPR’s David Folkenflik investigates a 2022 missile strike in Ukraine that killed two Fox News journalists and severely injured correspondent Ben Hall. The report details how Hall ignored safety warnings to pursue footage, leading to the deaths of Pierre Zhezewsky and Sasha Kushnova. It further examines Fox’s handling of the aftermath, including a controversial compensation package that Kushnova’s parents allege was used to suppress liability and hide the network’s negligence.
Topics discussed
Intro: Fox event and the fatal Ukraine incident
Accusations against Fox and Benjamin Hall
Benjamin Hall's background and war reporting history
Past safety complaints and Hall's move to DC
Hall's decision to go to Kyiv despite warnings
The pressure for footage in war zones
Introducing the team: Zazewsky and Kushnova
Security warnings and the ban on Kyiv suburbs
The decision to leave the van and enter the zone
The missile attack and immediate aftermath
Rescue efforts and confirmation of deaths
Fox's response to the Kushnova family
Hall's recovery and return to Ukraine
Lawsuits filed against Fox and Hall
Conclusion: The cost of war reporting
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