NUJ launches a package of safety materials and advice
In a series of videos, members share their experiences of threats, abuse and intimidation.
The NUJ has launched a set of films featuring journalists across the UK and Ireland discussing the abuse and intimidation -- including death threats – they have received while doing their jobs. There are also clips of members discussing how often the abuse is racist and misogynist. Watch the introduction to the new film on our YouTube Campaigns page.
The video and toolkit was launched at an event on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (see a video of the meeting below).
November's NUJ Branch is a safety special.
NUJ safety video
Members tell of their experiences of abuse, intimdation and threats recieved as part of their job. They have taken part to raise awareness of the problem and to bring about a culture change which recognises journalists and photographers should never have to put up with it.
Abuse targeted at women
NUJ members explain how they have been subject to misogynist abuse. "I have no doubt that being a woman elicits a higher level of abuse than I see targeted at male court reporters." Watch the full clip below.
Racism
A Home Office and DCMS survey in 2021 revealed “a third of respondents from ethnic minority backgrounds reported experiencing racism.”. Journalism needs to be more representative of the UK population. Watch NUJ members discuss the racism they have experienced as a journalist with one stating "When the comments are about the colour of your skin, it's not nice."
Photographers’ safety
NUJ member Andy Aitchison tells about being arrested at his home on suspicion of criminal damage hours after he had taken and shared photographs of activists demonstrating against conditions at Napier Barracks, where asylum seekers were housed.
Officers searched his family home and seized his mobile phone and memory card from his camera. He was then held in police custody for more than five hours. Thanks to the NUJ his equipment was returned, and he received an apology from the Kent police.
The NUJ and Society of Editors have launched a mobile-friendly safety toolkit to help members find advice and information while they are on the move.
The toolkit provides clear, simple information and advice, as well as signposting journalists to other important resources. It provides information to help journalists protect themselves and their sources and technological ways to secure communications. It covers physical safety, information security, mental health care, health and safety at work and gives advice on how to take action against abuse on social media platforms.
The mobile toolkit can be accessed here. There is a version on the NUJ website. The toolkit will be continually updated with new material. You can add it to your Home page by clicking the Share icon then “Add to Home Screen”.
The videos were launched at an online event on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, November 2, 2022. Speakers included Monika Plaha, BBC presenter, who appears in the video, Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, Jeremy Dear, deputy general secretary of the IFJ, and NEC member Jim Boumelha who reported on the latest report on violations against journalists in Palestine. You can watch the event here: