Broadcasting Safely in the Field

The SAG-AFTRA News & Broadcasting Department hosted the webinar Covering Street Protests and Civil Unrest on Oct. 17, sponsored by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. The webinar was presented by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism’s Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, and was designed to inform and educate broadcasters working in the field during COVID-19 and demonstrations around the country. SAG-AFTRA Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro provided opening remarks, and Detroit-based WWJ-AM shop steward and Michigan Journalism Hall of Famer Vickie Thomas moderated. 

Judith Matloff, a veteran reporter and Dart safety advisor as well as the author of How to Drag a Body and Other Safety Tips You Hope to Never Need, was the featured presenter. Utilizing her field experience across the country and internationally, Matloff focused on tactics and strategies broadcasters can use to protect themselves and others during fast-moving, volatile situations.

“The key thing with any sort of situation is preparation. You want to anticipate ahead of time the worst thing that might happen,” said Matloff. “Do as much research as possible on the police force, demonstrators and counter-demonstrators.”

To watch the full discussion, scroll below. Visit the Safety First hub or the News & Broadcast page for more information.

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.