This is not a good day to be a member of the news media... Reuters photographer Adnan Hajj has been sacked as a result of the discovery that at least two photos placed in worldwide distribution were "photoshopped" and altered in substantive ways.

As a result, Reuters has withdrawn all 920 photographs currently cataloged from the freelance Lebanese photographer from its database today (Monday).

Reuters calls the move "precautionary," but admissions by Global Picture Editor Tom Szlukovenyi noted that at least two of the images by Hajj had been manipulated and had 'undermined trust in his entire body of work.'

Szlukovenyi stated that, "There is no graver breach of Reuters standards for our photographers than the deliberate manipulation of an image... Reuters has zero tolerance for any doctoring of pictures and constantly reminds its photographers, both staff and freelance, of this strict and unalterable policy."

The matter came to light after a number of media watchdog "blogs" called one, and then another (shown below), picture by Hajj, into question.

Reuters says that it ended its affiliation with Hajj Sunday, after one of his photos, depicting the damage resulting form an alleged Israeli air strike on Beirut had been altered to appear more severe due to the addition of darker and more prominent smoke arising from the damaged areas. Hajj's work was then subjected to additional scrutiny, resulting in the discovery that a photo showing an Israeli F-16 over Nabatiyeh, Lebanon, was also altered to show additional flares emanating from the aircraft -- increasing what was one flare, to three.   

"Manipulating photographs in this way is entirely unacceptable and contrary to all the principles consistently held by Reuters throughout its long and distinguished history. It undermines not only our reputation but also the good name of all our photographers," Szlukovenyi added.

Media reports indicate that Hajj had worked for Reuters as a non-staff contributing photographer from 1993-2003 and returned last April, though most of his work was anchored in sports photography. He reportedly told Reuters that the Israeli air strike on Beirut photo had 'dust marks which he had wanted to remove.'

Reuters says that photo-editing procedures will be "tightened up," as a result of this matter.

FMI: www.reuters.com