News gathering with security

Now, media houses should send journalists to conflict-affected areas with safety equipment and instruct them to return if there is a signal that the situation is dangerous.

वैशाख १०, २०८२

कृपा भण्डारी

News gathering with security

In the name of killing 'scoop' or 'exclusive' in the media, we are running without safety equipment. When there are protests and clashes, the friends who work in the field and show the latest news to the people, who do live reporting, are taking more risks and communicating the news. Because, all media now need news first.

The issue of security has stopped being a priority before news. Neither the state nor the affiliated organizations take responsibility for the safety of journalists.

Until some time ago, the agitating party or the state party did not do anything after wearing a jacket with the word 'press' written on it, but now times have changed. Now they have started attacking journalists and media houses in an angry manner for not writing news in their favor. The latest example of which can be taken is the vandalism and arson of various media on Chait 15 during the royalist movement.

Now how do we move forward according to the changing situation? Are we protected only by writing 'press' on the yellow jacket? In the incident of Chait 15, many journalists had to become victims. Journalists who went to collect news had to become news themselves. Had to die. Some journalists were injured.

In addition, no matter how much the unions and organizations that were opened for the rights and interests of journalists talk about professional safety in their speeches, in reality the situation of journalist safety is pathetic. Speech and implementation are different things. Professional security means the protection of freedom, security and rights of a journalist while working. It tries to protect journalists from any pressure, threats and violence. But is that what we actually got? 

Now, when media houses are sent to conflict-affected areas, they should send journalists with safety equipment and instruct them to return if they get any indication that the situation is dangerous. 

Various practices and measures are adopted at the international level to ensure the safety of journalists in conflict-affected areas. Safety training and equipment are provided for journalists reporting in such places. Bulletproof jackets, helmets etc. are used to go to such places. Similarly, insurance and emergency health services are provided to journalists working in conflict-affected areas, helping to protect their physical and mental health. In addition, online security and safe use of digital devices should be ensured. But we are rushing into the reporting of conflict-torn areas without preparation, without security. 

Media houses should ensure a strong communication system to keep journalists in constant touch. This should include emergency contact numbers, secure communication channels and a plan to keep journalists informed in the event of an emergency. Providing legal protection and emergency health care to

ing journalists is essential. For this, the media house should also arrange for health insurance, legal support and an evacuation plan if necessary. Working in conflict zones can affect the mental and physical health of journalists. Media houses should ensure mental health support, counseling services and flexible working hours.

In this way, when media houses deploy journalists in conflict-affected areas, it is important to ensure the effectiveness and safety of their work by ensuring safety, health, legal and mental preparation. 

कृपा भण्डारी

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