The Committee to Protect Journalists just published some helpful guidelines for journalists covering next week’s events – CPJ Safety Advisory: Covering the build-up to the U.S. presidential inauguration – Committee to Protect Journalists
Additionally, the NNA (National Newspaper Association) also provided a summary of tips/resources –
- Do not meet in person with sources you do not know.
- Be mindful of your surroundings. Some sources say Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) may be used by rioters.
- Employ social distancing tactics, as always.
- Do not work alone if covering protests.
- Obey orders from law enforcement. If legal assistance is needed, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has a hotline for journalists at 1-800-336-4243, or www.rcfp.org.
- Be aware of potential use of live ammunition by protesters or police.
- Stand back from crowds, where vehicle ramming could be a threat.
- For journalists receiving verbal abuse, Radio-Television News Directors Association has an excellent resource page for maintaining good mental health. https://www.rtdna.org/article/webinar_newsroom_mental_health_strategies
The CPJ also made a downloadable checklist available.
Thank you, journalists, for your service during these difficult times. Without your efforts important and unbiased news coverage wouldn’t be possible. Stay safe!
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