January 21, 2022 - This close call presents a good moment to pause and remind each other, and our bosses, that safety always comes first. Times are tough, and we appreciate the economic realities of running a newsroom. Journalists, however, will only be able to continue telling stories in the field if they stay safe enough to go home at the end of the day. Setting up and executing a live shot alone greatly reduces the ability to maintain situational awareness. We therefore urge all stakeholders involved in staffing individual assignments and overall headcount of operations to make field safety a paramount priority.
Safety Video
After a close call for a multimedia journalist during a solo live-shot along an active roadway on January 19, 2022, NPPA Safety & Security Chair Chris Post lays out some tips for safe live shots. Post has more than 20 years of emergency experience and is also an Emergency Medical Technician.
Of note are these news stories from The New York Times and The Washington Post.
