Recommendations for Media Reporting on Protests
Some foreign media outlets specify in their internal codes the use of photographs that illustrate protests. Specifically, it is advised not to use as main illustrations or to begin video segments with photographs of individuals who stand out from the group of gathered participants due to specific signs, slogans, or isolated behaviors. This approach inadequately informs the audience about the purpose and nature of the protests.
Journalists should clearly identify themselves at protests, meaning their accreditation should be readily accessible, but it is not advisable to display it publicly among demonstrators.
During violent protests, information about police plans or movements should not be transmitted live on air or over the internet in a manner that could jeopardize their safety.
Demonstrators sometimes follow social media to find escape routes.
Journalists reporting from protests should be skeptical when estimating the number of people at the gathering.
Event organizers and demonstrators have their own interests, as do representatives of the authorities. When the police use force, it may be because they claim that the crowd is too large and out of control.
Limit the use of subjective adjectives and stick to factual descriptions. Avoid words like "big" or "huge," for example, and describe the size of the gathering factually, such as "two blocks are filled" or "I see the crowd stretching along five blocks." Do not use emotionally charged words like "peaceful" or "dangerous" unless quoting someone or broadcasting their statements.
Journalists do not have to comply if the police request to inspect or wish to confiscate their equipment while reporting from protests. The Criminal Procedure Code protects against unreasonable searches or confiscations. Unless an arrest is underway, inspection or confiscation of equipment cannot occur without a court order. In such situations, the journalist should say: "I am a journalist on duty, and you cannot inspect or confiscate my equipment without a court order. If you wish to do so, please show me the court order."
Source: Guide for Journalists: Reporting from Violent Protests, Independent Journalists' Association of Vojvodina, 2020.
For more details: https://ndnv.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vodic-IZVE%C5%A0TAVANJE- SA-NASILNIH-PROTESTA.pdf
Contact: office@ndnv.org
Taken from the website of the Press Council - Additional Guidelines for Professional Reporting
