News Organizations Safety Self-Assessment

"Reach across the news organization and especially seek input from those implementing or who are directly affected by your safety protocols, including regular freelancers."

Developed by the the ACOS Alliance (A Culture Of Safety Alliance) and key signatories, this resource is a practical tool for use by news outlets seeking to create a culture of safety.

The idea is that reviewing current safety protocols can prompt a productive conversation around safety practices and encourage practical and effective ways to advance these internally. The ultimate goal is to help news organisations identify and better understand their own weaknesses and strengths in relation to the security of all individuals working for them exposed to danger, including freelancers.

The self-assessment comprises a brief set of key questions and guideline notes for an exercise that should be led by an individual or a small team that is approachable and able to listen to different individuals across the newsroom - from managers and editors to reporters and photographers. It is a template that can be modified and adapted according to the nature of the news organisation. The resource also includes links to relevant articles, reports, guides, and other existing resources, as well as a basic glossary.

Special attention is paid to gender issues, mental health care, digital security needs, and working with freelancers and fixers.

In creating the resource, the ACOS Alliance partnered with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma, Free Press Unlimited, Frontline Freelance Register, the International Federation of Journalists, International News Safety Institute, International Media Support, International Press Institute, the International Women's Media Foundation, and the World Association of News Publishers, or WAN-IFRA. The development of this resource was made possible with the support of the MacArthur Foundation and the Open Society Foundations.