Day 3 (Wednesday ) Updates from mediabistro.com:
Sorry, but there's not much here...
8:27 PM FNCers Kidnapped In Gaza: Net Breaks Silence; Hume & Smith Update Viewers Fox News Channel has stayed virtually silent about the kidnapping of Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig since it occurred Monday evening. It mentioned the situation just once yesterday, with a short update on the Fox Report. The self-imposed silent streak ended tonight on Special Report, when Brit Hume read this long voiceover:"Two days after our Fox News colleagues, national correspondent Steve Centanni and freelance cameraman Olaf Wiig, a New Zealander, were kidnapped in Gaza, we still have no word on their whereabouts or condition. Steve and Olaf were taken at gunpoint from their vehicle near the Palestinian security headquarters on Monday. No one has claimed responsibility. In fact, known militant groups in the area have specifically disclaimed responsibility and no demands have been made in exchange for their release," Hume said, emphasizing the no's. "Palestinians have set up roadblocks in Gaza and are searching cars in order to find the newsmen or their captors. Palestinian authorities say they are focusing their efforts to find the two hostages in Gaza City.
New Zealand's ambassador in the region met today with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the situation and Fox News Middle East correspondent Jennifer Griffin and bureau chief Eli Fastman have been working with Palestinian authorities in Gaza in an ongoing effort to find the two men. And the Organization Of The Islamic Conference headquartered in Saudi Arabia has condemned the kidnapping, saying it does not serve the national interest of the Palestinian people, and called for the immediate release of Steve and Olaf."
Shep Smith read the exact same script one hour later. And a shorter version of the information was the first item on Harris Faulkner's news update during The O'Reilly Factor...
8:27 PM FNCers Kidnapped In Gaza: Wiig's Family Is Grateful For Support; Requests Privacy
"The family of Olaf Wiig... have issued a statement saying they are grateful for all the support they have received," NZCity reports. "But in the face of a difficult and tiring week, the family wants to spend some private time together away from the glare of the media," so the constant interviews are over, at least for now.
"We are deeply grateful for the care that is being extended to us and for the Prime Minister’s direct call to us," Reverend Roger Wiig said. "We would also like to thank all those who are working to help get Olaf and Steve released, and we are thankful to have New Zealand diplomats on site." Wiig also said Fox News has provided strong support for his family.
Also: NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark's statement after speaking with Abbas...
5:50 PM FNCers Kidnapped In Gaza: U.S. State Dept. "Calls For Their Immediate Release"
AP update: "In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Julie Reside said the U.S. is working with Palestinian officials and called for the journalists to be released immediately."
"The U.S. government strongly condemns the kidnapping of these individuals and calls for their immediate release," she said.
Reside also said the U.S. consulate is also in close communication with Palestinian security services, and "is doing everything possible to bring about their safe recovery."
Are you still praying?
If demands are being made on FOX , I'm concerned that the camera man may be in big trouble. I pray they find them soon.
Indeed! Thanks for the ping! I'm wondering about Centanni's family. Several stories on Olaf's. I also wonder if Bush has weighed in. Not that it would matter I suppose...
so sad ... I am and will keep praying!!
Praying like crazy...
I know I should already know this..but does Steve have a wife or kids?
It sounds to me like they don't have any leads at all. They don't seem to know anything except that they were taken away at gunpoint. No one has come forward or demanded anything, or anything! Nothing. That's not good and I'm really concerned about their safety.
I am still praying..