We saw a violent mob attack the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. During the insurrection the mob also targeted journalists: they stole and destroyed equipment, threatened reporters and scrawled “Murder the Media” on a door inside the building.
In response to right-wing messages calling for attacking journalists and planning violence at state capitals, the NewsGuild and other journalism organizations are providing resources for journalists and other media professionals working during this difficult time.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Field Safety and Security
6 p.m. ET Thursday, Jan. 14
Hosted by National Press Photographers Association
Townhall participants will hear legal advice, learn best practices for safety precautions, and hear about the reality of covering high profile news from some of the top talent in the industry. Register here
Covering Riots and Civil Unrest
12 p.m. ET Friday, Jan. 15
Hosted by Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma
Webinar training will focus on risk assessment and situational awareness as well as practical strategies and tactics for preparing to cover civil disturbances. Topics will include protective gear, positioning in a crowd, how to deal with tear gas, rubber bullets and other riot and crowd control tactics. Register here
Off-the-record Safe Space/Brave Space sessions for AAJA members affected by the Capitol Riots and general pandemic stress
5-6 p.m.ET Friday, Jan 15 Register here.
2-3 p.m.ET Saturday, Jan 16 Register here.
Covering the news in a hostile environment
11 a.m. ET Saturday, Jan. 16
Hosted by The NewsGuild-CWA
A workshop for all journalists (members and non-members) on best practices to assess and mitigate risk while newsgathering in a hostile and dangerous environment. This workshop will last about 90 minutes and will feature a Q&A with journalists who have covered events, including those in Washington, D.C. last week. For information, contact sdavidow@cwa-union.org.
Trauma Aware Reporting and Self Care Amid Crisis
Dart Center training for NewsGuild members
7 p.m. ET Thursday, Jan. 21 Register here.
With news professionals challenged by so many unprecedented events, The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, a project of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, will deliver a 75-minute webinar on 1) trauma and journalism, introducing best practices in coverage (e.g. ethical interviewing of traumatized or highly vulnerable sources; effective reporting approaches to sensitive topics; ethics concerns; reporting dilemmas); and 2) basics of self-care and collegial support (e.g. the impact of covering trauma and tragedy; exposure to and the impact of toxic imagery and harassment/threat, techniques for self-care; and peer support.) There will be ample time for Q&A after the briefing on both sets of topics.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Covering the build-up to the U.S. presidential inauguration [Committee to Protect Journalists]
A step-by-step guide to dox yourself [NYT Open]
How to safely cover street protests [Dart]
Reporter-to-reporter guidance on covering street protests [Dart]
Tipsheet for managing traumatic imagery [Dart]
Toolkit for dealing with hate campaigns [Dart]
More Dart Center Resources
Ethical practices are changing as a result of the increase in threats to journalists [Poynter]
Tips to prepare and know your journalistic rights on evidence [National Press Photographers Association]
Twelve self-help tips for coping in the aftermath of the attack on the U.S. Capitol [National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center]
Mental health grants available for Black journalists [International Women’s Media Foundation and Black Journalists Therapy Relief Fund]
Guide for journalists dealing with vicarious trauma [First Draft]
Preventing burnout [Headington Institute]
How activists and reporters can protect themselves from secondary trauma [Amnesty International]
Free course on journalism & trauma [Poynter]
Following the news can be triggering for sexual assault survivors. Here’s how to manage it. [Washington Post]
I survived a mass shooting. Here’s my advice to other journalists. [Selene San Felice]
Also, check with your local NewsGuild leadership to see what support committees and resources exist in your union.