NUJ launches journalists’ safety tracker

THE NUJ has launched a journalists' safety tracker where you can log incidents and threats that affect your ability to report the news.

The online tool asks for details of events including online abuse, physical assault, arrest and legal threats including SLAPPs - strategic lawsuits against public participation. Find it at journalistsafetytracker.org.uk

It was developed with the support of the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists (NCSJ), set up in 2020, and funding from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Stephanie Peacock, media minister - strictly, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth) - said of the launch:

“A free press depends on our journalists' ability to do their job without abuse, attack or intimidation.

“The NUJ’s Journalists’ Safety Tracker will help us gain a real time understanding of the frequency and type of abuse news gatherers face in the UK, particularly after journalists experienced harassment while covering this summer’s riots.

“The tool delivers on a key commitment made in the National [Action] Plan for the Safety of Journalists, to improve incident reporting that will inform how we and the National Committee on the Safety of Journalists tackle these harms.”

Members who require urgent legal advice should continue to see the emergency contact details and those wanting less-urgent advice see our guide on how to get legal assistance.

Emergency numbers for NUJ members

How to get legal assistance if you are an NUJ member

www.journalistsafetytracker.org.uk report incidents

Journalists Safety Toolkit from the NCSJ