The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) recently conducted a Newsroom Safety Across America Initiative in Austin to address the increasing risks faced by journalists, especially during election seasons. The training session focused on risk assessment, journalist rights, and protest safety to help reporters navigate potentially dangerous situations.
Elisa Lees Muñoz, the executive director of the IWMF, highlighted the need for such training, citing a rise in attacks against journalists in previous election years. The organization reported that over 40% of the journalists they have trained have experienced physical violence or threats while on the job. This year, there has been a noticeable increase in journalist arrests and attacks, according to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.
Journalists working in battleground states face even higher risks, with direct targeting at campaign rallies being a common occurrence. To better prepare journalists covering these states for the upcoming election cycle, the IWMF has provided safety training in several key states.
Muñoz also stressed the importance of safety training for women and journalists of color, who are often targeted for attacks. The organization aims to reach underrepresented communities and provide training where it is most needed.
During the training session in Austin, journalists from across Texas came together to discuss safety strategies and develop action plans. They received guidance on risk assessment, psychological effects of reporting, hotel security, situational awareness, and active-shooter safety.
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press also participated in the training, informing journalists of their rights and providing valuable information on interacting with law enforcement. Freelance photojournalists like Justin Hamel attended the session to improve their personal safety decisions while covering the election.
Hamel shared his key takeaway from the training, emphasizing the importance of proactive risk assessment and communication with editors to ensure safety in the field. The IWMF has already trained over 600 journalists and continues to offer support and advice to those in the news coverage field.
In conclusion, journalists are encouraged to reach out to the IWMF for assistance or guidance in navigating potentially dangerous situations while reporting. The organization’s efforts to provide safety training and support to journalists play a crucial role in ensuring press freedom and protecting those on the front lines of news coverage.