COVID-19 News Organizations Safety Protocols: Working with Freelancers

"COVID-19 exposes safety as a priority for everyone in the journalism profession, not just those involved in so-called 'high risk' reporting." - Elisabet Cantenys, Executive Director, ACOS Alliance

For most news organisations, the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the safety and revenue challenges already facing the journalism industry. However, according to the ACOS Alliance (A Culture Of Safety Alliance), even in trying times like these, safety should be regarded as an essential investment and a duty of care. To that end, the coalition developed this resource to help news organisations respond to COVID-19 safety challenges - with a focus on the safe commissioning of freelance journalists.

The research is grounded in the conviction that the protocols it presents "should define a clear channel for journalists to raise safety concerns, without fear of losing the commission." In that light, newsrooms and commissioning editors are urged to: "Engage commissioned journalists/reporting teams in safety deliberations. Approach safety as an ongoing conversation."

Specifically, the resource includes tools that are designed to help newsrooms review, adapt, and expand their existing safety procedures in response to the pandemic. Those without safety protocols are encouraged to prioritise their development as a matter of urgency.

Through sections that focus on the pre-assignment, assignment, and post-assignment phases, the resource provides practical guidance on how to cover the pandemic professionally and in a way that minimises risk. Questions throughout are designed to provoke thinking and discussion, such as: "Does the editorial value of the story justify the risks involved? Is the assignment essential? Can this story be covered remotely over a call? Commissioning editors can work with the journalists in finding creative ways to cover a story and avoid unnecessary risks. Editors can help assess relevance in the context of what is being commissioned and published."

Other topics covered include various aspects of assignment planning and safety, including crisis management, communications, hygiene, and mental health. It also includes best practice around key freelance issues such as accreditation, insurance, expenses, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

ACOS Alliance - a coalition of news organisations, freelance journalist associations, and press freedom non-governmental organisations (NGOs) - produced this resource in partnership with: Article 19, Committee to Protect Journalists, Free Press Unlimited, Frontline Freelance Register, International Center for Journalists, International Media Support, International News Safety Institute, International Press Institute, International Women's Media Foundation, Reporters Without Borders, Samir Kassir Foundation, and the World Association of News Publishers. The development of this resource was made possible with the support of the MacArthur Foundation and the Open Society Foundations.