Journalists working to cover the global Coronavirus pandemic are under increasing threat. Not only are those working on the ground at risk of contracting the virus, but as many countries crack down on freedom in an aid to curb the spread, journalists are finding themselves at risk in other ways as well. Assault, arrest, allegations of “fake news”- in a time of crisis and increased government control, it becomes harder for journalists and media workers to carry out their work.
Some of the world’s leading media organisations have reacted swiftly to provide extra protection, support, and resources for journalists.
The International Press Institute (IP) has launched a new web page that will track attacks on journalists as well as restrictions on press freedom during this time.
The global network of editors, journalists and media executives aim to promote a media environment where journalists can fulfil their public function by operating free from interference and without fear of retaliation.
The site, launched on Tuesday will allow attacks and violations to be recorded. Director of Advocacy at the IPI Ravi Prasad said that during these times, freedom is more important than ever.
“During this crisis, the free flow of news and information is more important than ever. Independent news media provide vital information to the public and ensure open dialogue on the measures taken to combat the virus,” said Prasad.
“Moreover, there is an acute risk that authoritarian-minded governments will use the current situation as a pretext to clamp down on press freedom far beyond the current crisis. We are therefore redoubling our commitment to monitoring press freedom violations, not despite the pandemic, but because of it.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists has launched a Coronavirus Response page that features regularly updated physical, digital, and psychological safety advice for journalists covering the crisis, Available in 15 languages, it also has an “ask an expert” section where journalists can submit questions to get up-to-date advice.
Justice for Journalists and the Index on Censorship have announced a joint global initiative that will enable them to monitor attacks and violations against the media. All attacks will be catalogued on both Index and Justice for Journalists site.
Rachel Jolley, Editor-in-Chief at Index said:
“In times of extraordinary crisis, governments often take the opportunity to roll back on personal freedoms and media freedom. The public’s right to know can be severely reduced with little democratic process.”
JFJ’s Director Maria Ordzhonikidze added:
“Today, we are witnessing how the corrupt governments and businessmen in many of the regional autocracies are abusing the current limitations of public scrutiny. This major decrease in civil liberties makes pursuing their interests easier and even less transparent, whereas media workers striving to unveil murky practices are facing more risks than ever before.”
The role of the project is to increase awareness about the importance of media freedom, to support journalists whose work is being impeded, and to continue to improve media freedom globally.
More resources for journalists covering the global Coronavirus pandemic can be found here.
