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Ministers are drawing up new plans to protect journalists from growing threats and abuse.
Culture Secretary Lucy Fraser announced the creation of the ‘Press Safety Tracker’. This is a new online tool to help journalists report abuse and better understand safety issues that affect them.
In a move planned to coincide with the start of Journalism Matters Week, the government has also pledged to launch a task force to tackle the use of SRAPS (strategic litigation against public participation) by the rich and powerful. There is.
The announcement will be made today at a reception in Downing Street, to which some journalists who have faced abuse in the course of their work have been invited.
Other measures outlined include new opportunities for police officers to receive training to improve their understanding of how journalists cover and observe protests.
A new working group has also been established to help publishers and broadcasters share lessons and best practices to protect editorial staff.
Ms Fraser, pictured, said: ‘Today we celebrate the important work of world-class journalists who keep democracy alive through investigations and relentless scrutiny of those in power.
“At a time when reporters are losing their lives to tell the world what’s happening in the Middle East and Ukraine, and when misinformation about conflicts is rampant on social media, rigorous, fact-checked journalism is critical. is becoming clearer than ever.”
“As Culture Secretary, I want to protect and strengthen press freedom. No journalist should be prevented from doing their job because of fear of violence, abuse or harassment.
“Our revised National Action Plan will strengthen our efforts to protect journalists working in the UK from harm and strengthen their freedom to hold those in power to account without fear of abuse or harassment.
The action plan also aims to strengthen criminal justice responses to crimes against journalists and help journalists and their employers build resources to protect their personal safety.
Dawn Alford, executive director of the Society of Editors, said: “Accurate and verifiable news and information remains important to the public’s understanding of world affairs, yet abuse and harassment of journalists remains commonplace. What is being done is devastating.”
“The new action plan includes additional commitments aimed at prioritizing the safety of journalists, including broader police and industry engagement and a task force dedicated to exploring non-legal means of combating SLAPP. ing.
“These measures should ensure that awareness and regulation in this area works in tandem with the law. We will work to create a safe and free environment for journalists to report on behalf of the public. We look forward to working together.”
NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet added: “The safety of journalists is NUJ’s top priority, which is why the work of the UK National Committee for the Safety of Journalists and its action plan is so important.”
“Following our successful mobile safety toolkit, we have created the Press Safety Tracker to help journalists address broader challenges from online abuse, problems during protests and sexual harassment caused by protesters and police. We will be able to report a variety of incidents ranging from “Slaps attacks and other legal threats aimed at disrupting and impeding journalistic reporting and investigations.”
“Attacks against journalists are carried out to silence and intimidate those working to protect the public’s right to know. Members of the NUJ have been attacked online and offline simply for doing their jobs. , who share their horrifying experiences of being abused and threatened.
“This action plan is central to eradicating such behavior and ensuring journalists can do their important work safely and without interference.”
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