UK Government Introduces Press Safety Tracker to Protect Journalists from Abuse
In an effort to combat the rising threats and abuse faced by journalists, the UK government has announced the launch of a new online tool called the press safety tracker. The tracker will allow journalists to report instances of abuse and contribute to a better understanding of safety issues affecting them.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer made the announcement during Journalism Matters Week, stating that the government is committed to protecting journalists and ensuring their safety. The press safety tracker is designed to empower journalists to speak out against abuse and harassment, while also providing valuable data to inform efforts to improve safety measures.
The launch of the press safety tracker is accompanied by the establishment of a task force to address the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) by wealthy and influential individuals. SLAPPs are lawsuits filed with the intention of intimidating and silencing journalists and other individuals seeking to hold those in power accountable. The task force aims to find non-legislative means of combatting SLAPPs and protecting freedom of the press.
The government’s action plan also includes initiatives such as enhanced training for police officers to better understand how journalists can report on protests, as well as the creation of a working group for publishers and broadcasters to share best practices for safeguarding editorial staff.
Secretary Frazer emphasized the importance of preserving press freedom, stating that no journalist should be hindered in their work due to fear of violence, abuse, or harassment. She added that with journalists risking their lives to report on conflicts and combat misinformation, rigorous and fact-checked journalism has never been more crucial.
Industry organizations have welcomed the government’s action plan, highlighting the need to prioritize journalists’ safety. The Society of Editors praised the additional commitments outlined in the plan, which include broader police and industry engagement and the involvement of a dedicated task force to tackle SLAPPs. They believe that awareness-raising, regulation, and legislation should work together to create a safe and free environment for journalists.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) also expressed its support for the action plan. They mentioned their ongoing efforts to ensure journalists’ safety and announced the creation of a press safety tracker. This tracker will allow journalists to report incidents such as online abuse, problems during demonstrations, and legal threats that hinder their reporting and investigations.
NUJ members have shared harrowing experiences of being attacked, abused, and threatened simply for doing their job. The action plan aims to address and eradicate such behavior, enabling journalists to carry out their vital work safely and without interference.
The UK government’s commitment to protecting journalists and enhancing press freedom is a significant step in safeguarding the integrity of journalism and holding those in power accountable. With the introduction of the press safety tracker and other measures outlined in the action plan, journalists can look forward to greater support and protection in the challenging and vital work they undertake.
