[Dr. Sivana]

As far as his being a martyr, he would have to be given a choice. Namely, “Reject Christ and we will let you live. Refuse to reject Christ and embrace Islam and you will be killed.” Regardless of his politics or being a reporter or anything like that, if he chooses Christ over Islam, and is killed for it, he can be considered a martyr.

[Dr. Sivana]

ALternatively, if they say “You are an infidel, and it is too late to save yourself, we are killing you.” he is not necessarily a martyr, since he would not be accepting death.

[DannyTN]

From Dictionary.com Martyr

1. a person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his or her religion.
2. a person who is put to death or endures great suffering on behalf of any belief, principle, or cause: a martyr to the cause of social justice.
3. a person who undergoes severe or constant suffering: a martyr to severe headaches.
4. a person who seeks sympathy or attention by feigning or exaggerating pain, deprivation, etc.

You are right for definition 1 to apply. But definition 2 would apply whether his belief was in Christianity or whether he believed in the importance of journalism. Definition 3 applies to him regardless of his beliefs. Definition 4 doesn't apply to him but applies to Ferguson, Mo.

[piusv]

I agree with that. And Traditional Catholic teaching requires that person to be Catholic.