The life and death of James Foley

For many Americans, the Islamic State was first burned in our minds as a threat back in August 2014. That’s when the terror group released chilling video of American journalist James Foley being beheaded by a black clad man who condemns U.S. airstrikes in Iraq.

Foley of course was much more than a victim of terror or a martyr for press freedom. He was also a son, a brother, a colleague, and a friend.

On this edition of Global Journalist we’re going to talk more about the life of James Foley. We’ll also look at what his death tell us not only about him but about how news organizations operate and how the U.S. government handles hostage situations.

The story of Foley’s life and death is told in a new movie from HBO Documentary Film called “Jim: The James Foley Story.” It was an audience award winner at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and screened at the True/False Festival in Missouri in early March.

Joining us to talk about Foley’s career and captivity is Brian Oakes. He’s the director of “Jim: The James Foley Story.”