The NSW Ambulance service has released a report claiming that assaults on paramedics have increased by 60% from last year, with over 120 paramedics assaulted in NSW in the last 12 months. Lucie Robson reports.

Anna Politkovskaya was a fearless reporter – an emblem of the media’s vital role as fourth estate. Her murder on 7 October 2006 shocked the world and ended a brilliant career. Zoya Sheftalovich interviewed Anna Politkovskaya during her visit to Australia as part of the Sydney Writers Festival earlier this year.

As a winner of the Graham Perkins Australian Journalist of the Year Award for his article on East Timor, author of the book Herzl’s Nightmare, and a former Australian ambassador to Israel, Peter Rodgers is well versed in world affairs and media. He talks to Daniela Aroche about his thoughts on the Middle East crisis, quality journalism and the road to becoming a foreign diplomat.

Kimberly Johans spoke recently with Sean Aylmer, New York correspondent for the Australian Financial Review.

She has earned 5 Walkley Awards with journalistic integrity and gravitas, and has now replaced Liz Jackson as host of Media Watch. Laura Grace cornered Monica Attard on a busy schedule at the ABC’s media watchdog.

As the ABC’s Indonesia correspondent, Tim Palmer earned himself a Gold Walkley with his coverage of the Boxing Day Tsunami. He talks to Jenna Thompson and Wendy Wong about the dangers of the job.

With over 20 years experience, Chris Masters has three Walkley Awards, a Logie Award, a Public Service Medal and a Centenary Medal to his name. He is not only ABC Four Corners’ longest serving journalist, but in 1985 he also won the prestigious Gold Walkley award for French Connections, a report on the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior. Masters shares his thoughts on the future of current affairs journalism with Shireen Murphy.

Leah Jessup talks to Liz Jackson about her 20 plus years as a journalist and her latest gig as the host of Media Watch.