The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has been embroiled in controversy after its board of directors voted 17-1 to affirm its definition of a journalist, which includes individuals working for organizations affiliated with militant groups, provided they are not engaging in combat or inciting violence. The decision has been met with criticism from media watchdog groups, who argue that the definition is too broad and includes confirmed terrorists.
CPJ's Definition of a Journalist
The CPJ's definition has been under scrutiny after it was revealed that dozens of individuals on its list of slain journalists in the Israel-Gaza war were actually military operatives for Hamas and other terrorist groups. The organization has acknowledged deleting at least 20 names from its list, but others remain, including Mohammed Samir Washah, a correspondent for Al Jazeera who was killed by Israel for his involvement in Hamas' rocket and weapons production.
The CPJ's board chair, Jacob Weisberg, stated that the organization never considered altering its definition, despite former board member Nika Soon-Shiong suggesting otherwise. Weisberg added that the board stands fully with the staff of CPJ and all journalists who are documenting events on the ground.
However, media watchdog groups such as HonestReporting have criticized the CPJ's definition, arguing that it is too broad and includes almost anyone. They argue that this definition puts all journalists in harm's way and undermines the credibility of legitimate journalists.
The CPJ was founded in 1981 to defend press freedom worldwide, but in recent years, it has faced criticism for its narrow focus on the war in Gaza and its perceived anti-Israel bias. The organization's list of slain journalists has been used by news organizations to discredit Israel's war effort, but its inclusion of confirmed terrorists has raised questions about its credibility.