We already know what goes on in those despot countries. we don’t need idiots sneaking into those countries just to take pictures.
We know what goes on in these countries as like minded "live on the edge" journalists go "to" the story. They fit in because they blend in and do not travel with an entourage and get put up in "media based hotels". Hardly idiots. Whether we agree with whom they vote for come elections. These news people, and we all listen to these very successful R-L pundits and we get spirited up by them; yes, me included. But they are riding high on stardom, ratings by attacking each other, crying fire in a crowded theater just for audience reaction--then back to the limo or company driven Escalade (given to them to test drive and advertise) to their apartment on the upper East side or mini estate on LI.
You are not aware of the names of these "in the trenches" reporters even are (til this story)..it's about getting the story, not about the person delivering it. Boots on the ground is how one should get the real story or any information. FReepers comment with "the real story", faceless to all with their boots on the ground.
It's about entertainment now--find that odd when people suffer for what some popular pundits self describe as "I am not ashamed to say this is Entertainment"?
And when Ling and Lee return..the media will chase them down for "their story".
Now were they experienced enough for this undercover work in NK? Then I would agree they might not have been compared to what some of their co-journalists have endured in getting the story. I believe the Guide should not have been trusted in this case. Who was he to them? Koss escaped.