Best practices for journalists

On January 12, PNA hosted the eleventh session of the PNA Foundation Journalism Training Certification Program. Attendees gained safety best practices, including managing interactions with public officials, navigating potentially volatile situations, and protecting themselves while covering events. Explore the list of safety suggestions below.

Moderated by Paula Knudsen Burke, senior supervising attorney, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

Journalist Safety Best Practices

The meeting began with introductions and casual conversation about scheduling conflicts and the new year. Paula Knudsen-Burke, the moderator, introduced the session on “Staying Safe on the Job: Best Practices for Journalists,” hosted by the Pennsylvania News Media Association Foundation. The session aimed to address timely safety concerns for journalists, with contributions from various attendees, including Mickey, Tom, and Nadine. The discussion was set to continue with the addition of other participants and the start of the recording at noon.

Journalist Safety Training Strategies

The meeting began with introductions from participants, including Nadine Hoffman, Tom Murse, Molly Eichel, and Mickey Ostericher, who discussed their roles and experiences in journalism and media safety. Paula outlined the structure of the program, which focused on practical safety tips for journalists covering volatile situations. The discussion then shifted to strategies for preparing journalists before they enter such environments, with Molly emphasizing the importance of clear communication and planning, while Tom highlighted the need for journalists to be aware of their surroundings and potential risks. Nadine and Mickey shared insights on training journalists about their rights and working with law enforcement to improve understanding and cooperation.

Journalist Safety Protocols for Protests

Molly, a breaking news editor, outlined comprehensive safety protocols for journalists covering protests and volatile situations, emphasizing trust in instincts, prioritizing safety over stories, and maintaining open communication with support teams. She shared a detailed document covering rules, worst-case scenarios, and practical advice, including the importance of emotional and physical well-being, and encouraged questions during training sessions. Tom, representing a smaller newsroom in Lancaster County, shared experiences of unexpected volatility and verbal confrontations, highlighting the need for preparedness and support systems, while agreeing with Molly’s emphasis on prioritizing safety over bravery.

Journalist Safety in Hostile Environments

The meeting focused on journalist safety, particularly in the context of covering protests and potentially hostile environments. Nadine from the International Women’s Media Foundation discussed the changing nature of threats to journalists in the United States, emphasizing the need for risk assessments and identity-informed safety planning. Molly presented a guide for journalists covering protests, which included recommendations for communication plans and personal protective equipment. The group also discussed the importance of ensuring journalists feel safe, with eichelm sharing a practice of having reporters write contact numbers on their arms. Paula shared a personal experience to illustrate the potential dangers journalists face, highlighting the need for caution and preparation.

Journalist Safety and Preparedness

Mickey discussed the importance of preparing for potential arrests by writing down important phone numbers in indelible ink, emphasizing the need for journalists to have a point of contact at police departments for assistance in such situations. He highlighted the necessity of ongoing conversations between local authorities and newsrooms to establish rules of engagement and clarify journalists’ roles during protests or other events. Mickey also stressed the importance of situational awareness and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), advising journalists to practice using their equipment safely and to avoid over-dressing for situations that may not require full protective gear.

Journalist Safety in Volatile Situations

The meeting focused on preparing journalists for covering volatile situations, with Mickey and Paula emphasizing the importance of pre-planning and having a support system in place. Mickey shared her experience in handling arrested reporters, highlighting the need for journalists to know their rights and the importance of calling their editors or a designated person first. They discussed the use of horses, bikes, and less lethal munitions by law enforcement, advising journalists to prioritize safety by moving to a safe distance when directed. Paula mentioned the updated Reporters Committee guide for covering protests and the national hotline available for journalists facing legal issues. Mickey concluded by referencing a DOJ report that supports their guidelines, emphasizing the need for journalists to familiarize themselves with these resources.

Journalist Safety at Protests

Nadine discussed changes in police tactics at protests, emphasizing the need for journalists to take safety seriously and adapt their advice accordingly. She advised against sending journalists alone to protest scenes, recommended using neutral colors and keeping press IDs accessible but not visible, and highlighted signs of impending crowd dispersion, such as police forming lines and putting up shields. Nadine also suggested having pre-identified meeting points and regular check-ins to assess safety during protests.

Journalists’ Safety During Assignments

The meeting focused on journalists’ safety during protests and other assignments. Nadine and Paula discussed the importance of situational awareness and having non-visual journalists accompany visual journalists to ensure safety. Tom shared a difficult experience when his newsroom received bomb threats, highlighting the need for preparedness and mental health support for journalists. Mickey concluded by emphasizing the importance of being prepared for any situation while covering news events.