Purpose:
To protect the physical safety, legal rights, and professional integrity of NewsTalk New England journalists assigned to cover protests, demonstrations, or civil unrest.
1️⃣ Pre-Assignment Safety Briefing
All reporters, photographers, and crews assigned to cover protests must receive a safety briefing prior to deployment.
The safety briefing will cover:
The nature and expected scale of the protest.
Potential safety risks (violence, crowd surges, police activity, counter-protesters, etc.).
Communication plans, emergency contacts, and escape routes.
Protective equipment requirements.
Legal rights and procedures in the event of detention or arrest.
2️⃣ Protective Equipment
Depending on the risk level, staff may be required to carry:
Press credentials (worn at all times and prominently displayed).
Helmets.
Safety goggles or eye protection.
Respirators or masks for tear gas exposure.
Body armor (if deemed necessary).
First aid kit.
Communication devices (charged phones, radios).
Note: PPE will be provided or reimbursed by NewsTalk New England when required.
3️⃣ Buddy System & Team Assignments
Reporters should never cover a protest alone unless explicitly authorized by a senior editor.
A minimum of two staff members should be assigned to each protest coverage, where possible.
Each team must check in with the Assignment Desk before, during, and after the event.
4️⃣ Situational Awareness and Conduct
Maintain awareness of crowd behavior, police movements, and exit routes.
Avoid becoming physically embedded in dense or aggressive crowds.
Remain neutral in appearance and behavior. Do not participate in chants, wear symbols, or carry protest signs.
Immediately comply with lawful orders from law enforcement, but assert press rights respectfully when possible.
Retreat immediately if safety deteriorates or at the direction of newsroom management.
5️⃣ Communication & Check-In
All protest coverage teams must:
Check in with the Assignment Desk at pre-set intervals.
Notify the desk of any changes in location, crowd behavior, or unfolding dangers.
Notify the desk immediately if separated, detained, injured, or involved in any legal incidents.
6️⃣ Digital & Data Security
Avoid live-streaming from unsecured personal accounts without prior editorial approval.
Secure devices with password protection and encrypted storage.
Backup footage and files as soon as safely possible after coverage.
7️⃣ If Detained or Arrested
Remain calm, identify yourself as a journalist, and present your credentials.
Do not resist physically.
Request to contact NewsTalk New England legal counsel.
The Assignment Desk must be notified immediately if a team member is detained.
8️⃣ Post-Assignment Debrief
All protest coverage assignments will include a post-event safety debrief.
Any incidents, injuries, equipment losses, or legal encounters must be documented and reported to management.
Enforcement:
Failure to adhere to this policy may result in removal from assignment and/or disciplinary action per NewsTalk New England standards. Safety is a non-negotiable priority.
This policy protects:
You.
Your colleagues.
Our newsroom.
The public’s right to fair, accurate, and safe journalism.
