Amid rising incidents of violence and harassment against journalists worldwide, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has released a safety guide aimed at helping reporters protect themselves while covering high-risk assignments.
The advisory comes as reports emerge of journalists being exposed to tear gas, stun grenades, and other crowd-control measures while covering protests and security operations abroad, including recent incidents in the United States.
CPJ said reporters face growing dangers in both international and local settings, whether covering large demonstrations, police operations, or land and governance disputes in Northern Mindanao and other regions.
To help newsrooms and independent journalists reduce risks, CPJ outlined key safety protocols for field reporting.
Before deployment, journalists are advised to carry valid press credentials and government-issued identification. CPJ also urged reporters to identify a lawyer in advance and keep emergency contact details accessible in both digital and written form.
The group recommended using the “buddy system” whenever possible, assigning colleagues to monitor surroundings while others focus on reporting. Reporters covering potentially violent situations are also encouraged to wear protective equipment such as goggles, helmets, and, when necessary, ballistic vests.
During crowd coverage, CPJ stressed the importance of planning exit routes and identifying secondary meeting points. Journalists are advised to stay on the edges of crowds to allow quick withdrawal and to monitor law enforcement movements for signs of escalation, such as the use of gas masks or tactical formations.
For those exposed to tear gas, CPJ advised seeking higher ground and fresh air immediately, as chemical agents tend to settle in low areas. Reporters are also warned not to rub their eyes or faces and to wash exposed skin with cold water. Contaminated clothing should be washed thoroughly or discarded.
CPJ said these measures are essential as threats to press freedom continue to increase globally, with journalists facing intimidation, detention, and physical harm while performing their duties.
The organization emphasized that safety preparation is a shared responsibility of journalists and media organizations, and that protecting reporters is crucial to ensuring continued public access to reliable information.
CPJ urged newsrooms to integrate safety planning into their operations and encouraged journalists to remain vigilant, prepared, and informed when working in hazardous environments.
