Broadcasters Caught in the Crossfire

With protests continuing across the nation, SAG-AFTRA’s broadcast journalist members often put themselves at risk while reporting the news.

There have been hundreds of reports of aggression against journalists as well as journalists being detained, arrested or assaulted — keeping them from being able to do their jobs.

As the institution that keeps Americans informed and holds the powerful to account, a free press is a key element of a functioning democracy. That’s why the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the press shall be free from government interference in the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions. SAG-AFTRA stands with all of its members in ensuring that the rights of a free and independent press continue to be upheld.

“Democracy does not exist without the freedom of the press and, when journalists are attacked, society is threatened,” said SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Broadcasters Bob Butler. “Society cannot be fair to all without journalists seeking to report the facts, investigate wrongdoing and hold those in power accountable.”

SAG-AFTRA has provided its broadcaster members a checklist of safety protocols and precautions to observe when covering civil unrest, and it works with station shop stewards to ensure members are following enhanced security protocols.

For a list of safety tips and resources for journalists, visit sagaftra.org/safety4media.

Photo: Police briefly detain KPIX 5 News reporter Katie Nielsen in Oakland, California, on June 1.