In a show of solidarity ABC's Ann Compton along with NBC's Savannah Guthrie gathered messages from fellow women reporters at the major networks for their colleague Lara Logan and sent them to CBS to be delivered to her home as she continues to recuperate from an attack last week in Egypt's Tahrir Square.
Says Compton:
"We believe the best gift we can offer is support. The CBS statement about Lara hit me in the gut. I thought about it all that night, and the next morning. Woman on our news desk mentioned it. Our anchor did. And then I heard Mika Brzezinski on Morning Joe say on the air she just hasn't been able to think about anything else. She felt the same way I did. We all did. This was a painful moment for women to see a colleague go through that kind of hell. I think newswomen on five continents are profoundly touched by Lara's courage, her strength, her fearlessness."
Other reporters I contacted had this to say:
ABC's Senior Foreign Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz:
"The horrible attacks on Lara and others make me even angrier when I think about the fact that the people who did it will never be found. It is also obvious that through the last decade especially, there is absolutely no protection that comes from being a journalist, male or female. It used to be long ago that the "press" sign on your body armor might add some protection (I never wear that). No way. It can make you an even bigger target. I have even had people say to me, "oh they wouldn't attack a woman. " Of course they would. Of course they have. We all feel terrible for Lara, and wish her the best. Many of my colleagues say they cannot stop thinking about it. "
NBC's Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell:
"Like all of us, I'm horrified and agonize for her. She is fearless, intrepid, smart and what those who haven't worked alongside her may not know, a lovely, kind person. Women are always more at risk than men in conflict zones, but so are the women we cover. They, and children, are the most vulnerable in society. But often the most courageous, as exemplified by Lara."
ABC Senior National Correspondent Claire Shipman:
"I don't know Lara, but I've always admired her work. She covers stories with a bravery and gusto that is terrific for women to watch--and as the mother now of a 5 year old tomboy, I think women like her and like Christiane are critical role models. And her own children are probably too young to feel pride in her work now, but they surely will.
I feel sick about the violence she faced, and the nature of the violence, and it's been hard for me to keep it out of my thoughts. She has all of my prayers. But I would fight hard any notion that women should face special restrictions by worried news organizations in covering such stories. Journalists are often targets, and often make hard choices about which stories to cover or countries in which to venture. And we need to keep making those for ourselves.
It says a lot about the need for substantial reform in Egypt, and I, and surely so many others, would love to know more about the brave women who helped to free her from that mob. "
And another reporter who requested anonymity said:
"I think all of us in this profession in some way take what happened to Lara personally -- we feel profoundly sad - and outraged - about what a courageous colleague had to endure. I think there has been an overwhelming feeling and desire in this community of fellow journalists - whether or not we know her personally - to let Lara know we care for her, admire her and hope for her full recovery."