The Young Witness’ coverage of alleged terrorist activity in Young is making waves a world away and receiving praise from an expert on terrorism and radicalization.
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Regional editor Andrew Fisher this week praised Young Witness editor Craig Thomson and journalist Rebecca Hewson for their coverage of the event which made national and international headlines in March.
“Craig’s editorial on the issue made such an impact it was picked up by the New York Times and generated letters from New York to Witness as a result,” Mr Fisher said.
“The author of the New York Times piece which was published online on March 9 and on page 10 of the March 10 print issue of the newspaper linked directly back to Craig’s editorial and his call for calm and unity in the Young community.
Dr Clarke Jones, an expert at Australian National University on terrorism and radicalization, who was quoted in the New York Times article described Craig’s editorial as “a really good balanced piece”
“Dr Jones is familiar with some of Young’s Muslim community and knows the background of a lot of the families,” Mr Fisher said.
Dr Jones says its a shame that good hard working families in Young can be tainted by a guy doing stupid, eventually serious criminal (activity).
He is dismayed so much attention is placed on the Muslim community, not just in Young, by sloppy journalism.
“The Young Witness’ print and digital coverage is exactly what our readers want,” Mr Fisher said.
“After reading Craig’s editorial Dr Jones said it was the ‘type of balanced reporting that is needed’.
“The Young Witness was the first media outlet on the scene when Australian Federal Police officers made an arrest.
“They were also the only media outlet present when alleged terrorist Haisem Zahab made his first court appearance. “World wide coverage of the event started from the Young Witness office and quickly spread to other news outlets who followed the lead of Craig and journalist Rebecca Hewson. “Balanced reporting of the news without bias in Young is a priority for our team,” Mr Fisher said.