Author Topic: Journalists kidnapped (Read 202 times)

811952 · « **on:** August 24, 2006, 07:33:24 PM »

I don't know where I intend to go with this, but I'll start with a link:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/08/23/kidnapped.journalists/index.html?section=cnn_topstories&ref=google

I saw the video out of the corner of my eye while waiting for my lunch to arrive today and immediately recognized Steve. Needless to say, it nearly sent me (and my wife when I apparently yelled his name) to the floor.

I worked with San Francisco native Steve Centanni at KTUU in Anchorage in the late 80's and up until 1991. We shot together a handful of times each week (I was a news videographer) for a weekly news-magazine called Assignment: Alaska, which Steve produced. Much of that was long-form mini-documentary style stuff that required us to really be in tune with each other in the field and in the edit booth. He also did a lot of short-form reporting for our regular newscasts. We spent a fair amount of time together on stories. I have always had a piece we did together on my demo reel. Anyway, I haven't talked with him for 15 years, but have always kept up on where he was and what he was doing, largely because he is one of the absolute nicest people you could ever meet, and especially work with. I'm not just saying that because of the present circumstances. He really is a very genuine, honest and caring guy. I always figured he worked at Fox to try to make it credible. It's a tragedy when anyone gets kidnapped anywhere. For this to happen to someone like Steve is just unbelieveable.

Forgive me if this is a rambling and incoherent post (which I'm certain it is). I simply don't know what else to do. I hope he and his photographer, Olaf Wiig, come home alive. Please keep them in your thoughts.

John

crgaston · « **Reply #1 on:** August 24, 2006, 10:25:59 PM »

John, I saw this earlier today and my heart went out to them and their families immediately. I will be thinking of Steve and Olaf, and you, too.

Take care,
Charles

richbass939 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2006, 08:04:02 AM »

John,
I'm sorry that your associate and his photographer are going through this ordeal and I hope for the best.
Rich

57basstra · « **Reply #3 on:** August 25, 2006, 08:52:23 AM »

Hello, John. I've been a Journalist locally for 25 years. The work being done daily by your friend and his associate, and others in those 'hot spots' of the globe, is valuable beyond measure. They literally put their lives on the line 24/7 and to a large degree are our, and the world's, 'unsung heroes.' God be with them and their families.

(Message edited by 57basstra on August 26, 2006)

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** August 26, 2006, 11:23:08 AM »

John; when I saw this story in the news, it caught my attention because, as discussed in the story you cited, it is so unusual for Palestine. With all of the pressure being brought to bare inside Palestine, I'm hopeful for a good outcome. The most recent information I could find is here:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,210583,00.html

811952 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 26, 2006, 04:23:38 PM »

Thanks everybody.

John

bassfingers · « **Reply #6 on:** August 27, 2006, 02:46:39 AM »

10:47GMT

Sky News here in the UK has just had breaking news.A Fox News report which I must stress is,as yet,unconfirmed,announcing the release of Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig.

I stress UNCONFIRMED,but let's pray for confirmation very soon.

Simon.

richbass939 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 27, 2006, 05:53:29 AM »

MSN.com news is announcing it too, complete with pictures.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14536563/
John, I'm very happy that your friend and his associate are okay.
Rich

David Houck · « **Reply #8 on:** August 27, 2006, 07:57:04 AM »

Good!

811952 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 27, 2006, 12:23:16 PM »

Excellent news indeed! Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts!

John