Journalist safety is part of the job
Physical, legal, digital and psychological safety belong within reporting practice. They make the work possible. Begin before the assignment, consider the whole team and plan how to recognise a situation that requires stopping rather than relying on courage alone.
The essentials
Write a risk assessment before a sensitive assignment. Identify the dangers, the person monitoring the trip, contact times, an alert signal and exit options. At the scene, notice routes out and avoid becoming trapped between protesters and security forces. In conflict settings, work with an experienced local fixer and treat that person as a paid professional.
Understand the rules affecting your reporting and keep the evidence and record of requests for a response. Agree an arrest-response plan with the newsroom: useful contacts, a lawyer, conduct and source protection. Preparation should help assess the risks realistically rather than leave the reporter to invent a response under pressure.
Protect accounts with strong passphrases and two-factor authentication. Review apps’ access to microphone, contacts and location. A phone also contains traces of people who trust you. When harassment occurs, secure, document, alert and decide how to respond. Preserve evidence and involve relevant support; a credible threat requires immediate attention.
Take it to the field
Before departure, ask the person responsible for follow-up to review the assignment plan. Agree contact arrangements, return time and the signs that mean stop. Make sure the plan is realistic for everyone on the team.
Your turn
Complete a risk-assessment sheet for a real upcoming assignment: risks, contacts, check-in schedule, exits and a backup plan. Review it with an experienced colleague before going.