When Reporters Cross The Line : The Heroes, the Villains, the Hackers and the Spies

When Reporters Cross the Line tells the stories of fifteen journalists - among them some of the best-known names in British journalism: John Simpson, Guy Burgess, Lindsey Hilsum - caught up in controversy at moments when the worlds of media, propaganda, politics, espionage and crime collided. These are men and women who went beyond accepted journalistic conventions. Some broke the code of their craft in the name of public interest, but the actions of others led to truly shocking consequences. Many of the details have been secret, until now. This unique account of modern reporting examines the lengths to which journalists on the front line are prepared to go to get a story or to espouse a cause. The book undoubtedly features both journalistic heroes and villains, but certain heroes turn out to be tarnished and some of the villains surprisingly principled. In the heat of war and political conflict, rules are broken and ethics abandoned - and not just by opposing armies. This extraordinary book offers unparalleled access to the mind of reporters and to the often disturbing decisions they make when faced with extreme situations. In doing so, it hammers home some unsavoury truths, and poses the fundamental question: where do you draw the line?