30 April 2015
Journalism has never been more dangerous and journalists have never felt more unsafe, according to the findings of a major report published by the International News Safety Institute.
Under Threat: The Changing State of Media Safety provides an in-depth, multi-media look at the main changes in the journalistic safety landscape over the past decade. It does this through more than 30 interviews with journalists who work in some of the world’s most dangerous places and the news executives who make the difficult decisions to deploy them.
These interviews were supplemented by a survey of nearly 200 media workers around the world and 10 years of INSI statistics on journalist casualties, revealing the most deadly countries to be a media worker.
“In 2003 we published Dying to Tell the Story, which paid tribute to those journalists killed in the early stages of the Iraq war. After witnessing the horrific murders of our colleagues in places like Syria and Iraq, the insecurity in Ukraine, and the rampant impunity that accompanies the killings of most journalists, INSI felt compelled to look at how different media safety was from a decade ago,” said INSI Director Hannah Storm.
“In an industry under threat from so many different sides, we wanted to know what the main changes and challenges were and what if anything had stayed the same. The results of our research were substantial and deeply sobering.”
The INSI report reveals that:
- Journalism has never been more dangerous, and journalists have never felt so unsafe.
- Terror groups are using new technologies to control the “information battlefield” and have declared war on journalists.
- The frontlines in places like Syria and Iraq have become unclear, meaning journalists don’t know who to trust and where they can go safely.
- For their part, news executives aren’t sure who to turn to for information and help when reporters go missing or get hurt in today’s chaotic conflicts.
- Technology helps journalists deliver their messages, and in some situations is keeping them safer, but makes them increasingly vulnerable to the powerful entities that seek to track and harm them.
- The advent of user-generated content has blurred the role of journalists and confused the industry and general public alike.
- Audiences more than ever expect to be instantly and accurately informed about even the remotest corners of our world – pushing journalists into ever more dangerous places.
You can find more information on the INSI website and on Facebook and Twitter under the hashtag #underthreatmedia.
9 March 2014
The International News Safety Institute (INSI) and the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) are launching a joint report on violence and harassment against women in the news media.
The 40-page report, entitled “Violence and Harassment against Women in the News Media: A Global Picture”, reveals the findings of a global survey conducted among nearly 1,000 female journalists. It provides the first comprehensive picture of the dangers faced by many women working in news media around the world.
Core findings of the report include:
– Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents said they had experienced some form of intimidation, threats, or abuse in relation to their work, ranging in severity from name-calling to death threats.
– The majority of threats, intimidation, and abuse directed toward respondents occurred in the work place, and was perpetrated most often by male bosses, supervisors, and co-workers.
– Most incidents of harassment and violence were never reported, even though a majority of women who experienced them said they were psychologically affected.
“When we talk about the safety of journalists, we often think in terms of the risks we face in war zones, civil unrest and environmental disasters, but how often do we think of the office as being a dangerous place?”, said INSI Director Hannah Storm.
“This survey shows that women journalists are often at risk in their own work places: targeted by their colleagues, and let down by the very people they should be able to trust.”
“It is telling that most respondents to our questions about reporting incidents of harassment, threats and violence they encountered chose not to do so,” said Elisa Lees Munoz, IWMF Executive Director. “Action must be taken to assure that all women in the news media have recourse against such incidents.”
In addition, the survey gathered data regarding sexual violence, physical violence, sexual harassment, and digital security threats experienced by women journalists as well as what measures have been taken for prevention, protection, and preparedness within news organisations.
The survey was conducted jointly by the London-based International News Safety Institute and the Washington, D.C.-based International Women’s Media Foundation. The survey and this report were carried out with funding from the Government of Austria and supported by UNESCO.
The full report, including information about the survey methodology, is available here.
INSI and IWMF welcome the opportunity to discuss the details of the report with members of the media. Please direct all inquiries and interview requests for INSI to Hannah Storm (hannah.storm@newssafety.org / + 447766 814274) and for IWMF to Communications Strategist Anna Schiller (aschiller@iwmf.org / +1 202 567 2613). Images and additional information can be downloaded at www.newssafety.org or iwmf.org/presskit
About INSI
The International News Safety Institute was founded in 2003, its mission to provide safety advice and training to journalists to ensure that wherever they work they are able to do so safely, whether covering conflict, civil unrest, corruption, or natural and manmade disasters. Widely regarded as the news industry’s safety body, INSI counts as its members some of the world’s leading news organisations, such as Reuters, CNN, the BBC, Al Jazeera, ABC, NBC and the Guardian.
In 2012, INSI published No Woman’s Land – On the Frontlines with Female Reporters, the first book dedicated to the safety of women in the news media. INSI has also pioneered safety training delivered by female trainers for female journalists and continues to work with all journalists around the world to ensure they have the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge, training, equipment and support to stay safe while doing their work.
About the IWMF
Founded in 1990 by a group of prominent U.S. women journalists, the International Women’s Media Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based organisation dedicated to strengthening the role of women journalists worldwide. The IWMF believes the news media worldwide are not truly free and representative without the equal voice of women.
The IWMF celebrates the bravery of women journalists who overcome threats and oppression to speak out on global issues with its Courage in Journalism Awards. The IWMF Lifetime Achievement Awards recognise women news media pioneers who set new standards of excellence in the profession and pave the way for future generations of journalists. Since its inception, the IWMF has honoured more than 100 women, and it continues to support the recipients of these awards and many other female journalists with advocacy and assistance in times of crisis. The IWMF’s programs empower women journalists with the training, support and network to become leaders in the news industry.
19 February 2014
Tomorrow (February 20th 2014) twenty journalists working for the Al Jazeera Network are due to go on trial in Cairo accused of belonging to or assisting a “terrorist organisation”.
The International News Safety Institute (INSI) – which for more than a decade has supported the safe working of journalists around the world – believes the Egyptian authorities are profoundly mistaken in bringing these charges to court and urges they be dropped.
It is the responsibility of independent journalists to seek to report a wide range of views and to report all sides of a conflict. This should not be confused with political action. A number of those held are personally known to INSI member organisations or have worked for them in the past and Al Jazeera is a key supporter of INSI. We believe all of those held to be committed to the principles of free speech.
Egypt’s action in arresting and charging journalists on political grounds casts doubt on the country’s commitment to democracy and free speech and to the principles of a free media.
We urge that all of those held should be released – regardless of nationality – and allowed to pursue their legitimate work.
The Board of the International News Safety Institute.
Richard Sambrook, Cardiff University
Richard Tait, Cardiff School of Journalism
Salim Amin, Africa 24 Media
Alison Bethel McKenzie, International Press Institute
Michael Christie, Thomson Reuters
Jeff Dubin, European Broadcasting Union
Chris Elliott, The Guardian
Takehiko Kusaba, NHK
Marcelo Moreira, TV Globo
Jonathan Munro, BBC
Deborah Rayner, CNN
Amy Selwyn, Storytegic
Fran Unsworth, BBC
Monique Villa, Thomson Reuters Foundation
Jon Williams, ABC
Hannah Storm, INSI
Source: Press Release
5 February 2014
The International News Safety Institute has published a report detailing threats to media workers and measures that are in place to protect them.
The safety guide, called ‘Journalism Safety: Threats to Media Workers and Measures to Protect Them’, looks at examples of best practice in the protection of journalists by national authorities, civil society organisations and media professionals in different countries around the world. Incentives include training programmes, hotlines for journalists in distress, safe houses and awareness raising campaigns in several countries including Nepal, Iraq, Pakistan and South Sudan, where the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity is being implemented.
The UN Plan of Action aims to create a free and safe environment for newsmen and women in both conflict and non-conflict situations.
“Across the world countless numbers of our colleagues are facing dangers and living in fear simply for doing their jobs. This publication provides an important look at what is being done to help them, where it is being done and by whom. We’re honoured to have had the opportunity to make a start in mapping the vital work that is aimed at helping journalists stay safe and help those who have been affected rebuild their lives,” said Hannah Storm, Director of INSI.
“But this is just the start. We call on governments and the international community to work together better to end the scourge that affects our colleagues and guarantee their safety, knowing that without that their can be no press freedom.”
The 78 page study outlines risks to journalists around the globe and provides practical information about the measures with are in place to protect them, with the aim of determining why some measures are more effective than others, so that other organisations can put more efficient safety mechanisms in place.
The report was funded by UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).
INSI would like to thank the individuals and organisations who supported and contributed to this project.
12 February 2013
The International News Safety Institute urges journalists to exercise caution while covering demonstrations in Tunisia.
There have been reports of unrest since the murder of the liberal politician Chokri Belaid
last week, the first political assassination since Tunisia’s independence from France in
1965.
On 8 February Tunis was engulfed by violent protests, which have not occurred since January 2011. Police fired tear gas into the crowds and there were reports of armed youths smashing cars and clashing with police. Although the situation has stabilised it is likely that protests will begin again this Friday (15 February).
INSI’s advice on covering demonstrations and other civil disorders includes:
Journalists should be aware that water cannons and tear gas (CS gas) may be used.
Journalists have also reported that their mobile phones and cameras were stolen while
covering last Friday’s protests. Consider covering the unrest with your back to a wall to
ensure that this is less likely to happen.
Covering demonstrations and other civil disorders
Before you head out, consider the following:
• Ensure your accreditation is in order and easily accessible.
• You may wish to alert the authorities that your news organisation plans to cover the
protests, if it is appropriate and not dangerous to do so in the country you are in. If so,
obtain the mobile number of the person in charge; the more senior the better.
• Take protective gear. This can include helmets, gas masks, or bullet proof vests with
protective plates. Your decision regarding this may depend on what weapons the local
police force uses for crowd control.
• In case of tear gas, carry a bandana and soak it in water. Cover your mouth and nose
with it. Try to use some sort of goggles to protect your eyes. Ladies – consider not wearing
make up as tear gas sticks to it.
• Try not to wear contact lenses as the tear gas will get under the lense. Bring eye drops
and spare glasses.
• Wear comfortable boots that you can run in.
• Wear natural fabrics, which may be less flammable than synthetic fabrics.
• Prepare a backpack with supplies to last a day: lightweight rain gear, energy bars and
water, spare batteries for electronic equipment, protective equipment.
• Pack a medical kit and know how to use it.
• Carry a photocopy of your press accreditation and telephone numbers of your editor and
lawyer. Make sure your editor knows how to reach your family in case you’re arrested or
hurt.
• Set your mobile phone to speed dial with an emergency number pre-set.
• If possible, ensure you have studied the map prior to going on the ground. Consider
filming from high vantage points. Agree a rendez-vous point in case you lose your team
and agree a “safe” place where you can retreat if the situation becomes too dangerous.
On the ground:
• Try not go alone and if you can, take someone to watch your back if you’re shooting
pictures.
• As soon as you arrive, look for escape routes and ensure you know the landmarks to
head for if you become disorientated.
• Try to stay on the edge of the crowd and do not get caught on the line between police
and protestors.
• Crowds have a life of their own. Be constantly aware of the mood and attitude.
• Alert your editors if the mood starts to change and begin to think of what your plan is.
• If planning to change direction, seek advice from people who have just come from the
direction you’re heading.
• Television crews should travel as light as possible. If experiencing aggression, ensure
your backpack is big enough to hold the tripod and pack it away. Be prepared to leave it
behind if you need to run away.
When trouble erupts:
• Avoid horses. They bite and kick.
• Try to stay upwind from tear gas.
• Try to avoid getting in the line of the water being fired as it will damage your kit. It often
has dye in it for the security forces to be able to identify the protestors after.
• If the police detain you, try to ask them to call the person in charge if you have their
number. Try to speak to a senior officer, as this will have more impact.
• Call your editor, ensure legal advice is available through your organisaiton.
• Try to avoid violence if you can and move away to film if necessary.
