Press Council issues safety guidelines for journalists covering civil unrest

The Press Council of India has expressed mounting concern over the physical safety of journalists and media staff operating in conflict zones and areas experiencing civil unrest. In response, the statutory body has formulated a detailed set of guidelines to help news organisations and individual reporters navigate the complexities of covering protests while maintaining professional standards.

The guidelines address critical operational aspects, including pre-assignment safety protocols, on-ground risk management, and post-incident support systems for affected media personnel. The Council has emphasised the importance of adequate insurance coverage, communication procedures, and coordination with local authorities to ensure journalists can perform their duties with minimal physical risk.

A central tenet of the new framework stresses the importance of editorial neutrality when reporting on protests and demonstrations. The Press Council has advised media outlets to avoid sensationalism and maintain factual accuracy while covering civil unrest, ensuring that coverage does not inadvertently escalate tensions or compromise the safety of bystanders.

The guidelines also recommend that news organisations provide appropriate training to journalists assigned to cover volatile situations, including conflict reporting techniques and trauma awareness. The Press Council has urged media management to take responsibility for staff welfare and implement comprehensive support mechanisms for journalists who experience trauma or injury while on assignment.

The initiative reflects growing recognition within India's media fraternity that balancing the public's right to information with journalist safety requires systematic, institution-level measures. The Press Council has called on all news organisations to adopt these guidelines and establish accountability mechanisms to ensure their implementation.