On March 16 , 1989 , Terry Anderson entered his fifth year of captivity as a hostage in Lebanon , according to Anne Nelson , executive director of the New York - based Committee to Protect Journalists . The IFJ asked its members in 37 nations to draw attention to the plight of British journalist John McCarthy, who marked his 1,000th day of captivity on Jan. 10. Ms. Nelson read her statement at the National Press Club in Washington , D.C. , where Vice President Dan Rather was scheduled to give a speech . " We call on President Bush and Vice President Quayle to use every possible means to bring Terry Anderson and the other hostages home , " Ms. Nelson said . The International Federation of Journalists said it would place advertisements in Beirut newspapers to urge the release of all hostages .
On March 16 , 1989 , Terry Anderson entered his fifth year of captivity as a hostage in Lebanon , according to Anne Nelson , executive director of the New York - based Committee to Protect Journalists . Ms. Nelson read her statement at the National Press Club in Washington , D.C. , where Vice President Dan Rather was scheduled to give a speech . " We call on President Bush and Vice President Quayle to use every possible means to bring Terry Anderson and the other hostages home , " Ms. Nelson said . The International Federation of Journalists said it would place advertisements in Beirut newspapers to urge the release of all hostages .