Media deaths set record in 2005

A total of 146 media workers were killed last year—more than in any other year on record, according to a report from the International News Safety Institute.

The record-breaking total was, the INSI said, "largely due to a tragic plane crash in Iran" that killed 48 journalists and support staff.

Of the rest of last year's media deaths, a third were in Iraq. A number of the deaths—such as those in the plane crash—were likely accidental, but many weren't. According to the INSI:

Most of the journalists died violently - at least 68 by gunfire, 7 by bombs, three by beatings and two, in Iraq, reportedly beheaded. More than 70 of the dead may have been targeted because of their work. Others died in crossfire or other random incidents of violence.

The INSI web site also contains a full list of media fatalities and their circumstances.