Broadcasters: Protecting Your Safety and Self-Care

Dear Member,

SAG-AFTRA acknowledges this year has been like no other for members of the broadcast community.

As SAG-AFTRA broadcast members prepare for local, state and national election coverage this November, it is more important than ever for you and your colleagues to continue to follow all safety guidelines to protect your health during COVID-19. Whether you are preparing to interview campaign staff, candidates, election workers or voters, please follow all CDC safety guidelines and public health orders. 

SAG-AFTRA, in partnership with the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, has recorded two forums with tips for broadcast members tackling this work to help protect your health:
 

• Trauma Awareness and Self-Care
• Covering Street Protests and Civil Unrest

REMINDERS

1. Always have your mask on you and bring extra disposable masks to share with interviewees if the interviewee does not have a mask.
2. Keep PPE on you and not in the vehicle in the event you get separated from your truck when covering marches or protests. 
3. Additional staff and guests may be in-studio on election night. Sanitize hands and equipment as frequently as possible, especially when touching shared surfaces. 
4. Maintain social distancing and stay at a minimum of 6 feet apart in studio and in the field, including when meeting with interviewees.
5. Bring your own food and drink when possible and identify bathroom options in advance of going into the field. 
6. If you do not feel safe, talk with your immediate supervisor and work together with station management to troubleshoot and find solutions. 
7. Connect with your SAG-AFTRA shop steward, member leaders and staff representatives about health and safety concerns.