New Delhi: Journalists covering protests should plan escape routes, keep a safe distance from confrontations and verify claims from all sides, the Press Council of India (PCI) has said in detailed guidelines aimed at protecting media personnel and promoting responsible reporting.
The guidelines urge journalists to prioritise safety over live-broadcast commitments or exclusive footage, maintain neutrality and coordinate with newsrooms and law enforcement authorities wherever feasible.
The PCI has advised journalists to visibly display valid press identification issued by their media organisation, a Press Information Bureau (PIB) accreditation card or accreditation from a state government’s Directorate of Information and Publicity. They should identify themselves calmly when approached by police, follow lawful instructions, particularly those concerning immediate safety, and refrain from participating in demonstrations or provoking confrontations.
Journalists have been advised to assess crowd behaviour continuously, maintain a safe distance from potential flashpoints and identify escape routes and safe locations in advance. They should move carefully through crowds and avoid attaching cameras or recording equipment to police barricades, vehicles or other equipment in ways that obstruct movement or damage property.
The council has cautioned journalists against touching or attempting to move tear-gas canisters, flash-bang devices or smoke grenades, which may remain hot, explode or contain hazardous residue. In areas affected by smoke or tear gas, they should use visible landmarks and safe routes to leave the area without moving deeper into the crowd.
The guidelines also recommend carrying an emergency kit with basic first-aid supplies, essential medication, drinking water, snacks, a flashlight, a hand towel and protective eyewear. Depending on the assessed threat, journalists may consider protective headgear and body armour, but such equipment should not encourage unnecessary risk-taking.
The PCI has asked media organisations to designate a newsroom contact to monitor journalists’ locations and respond to emergencies. Freelancers should ensure that a trusted editor or contact knows their assignment plan, location and expected return time. For planned demonstrations, media organisations should coordinate with designated police and public information officers, where possible, to clarify communication protocols and identify media staging areas.
Emphasising accuracy and impartiality, the guidelines direct journalists to distinguish verified facts from allegations, opinions and unconfirmed claims, and to verify information through multiple sources wherever possible. Witness accounts should be assessed for reliability, taking into account the source’s proximity to the event, visibility and potential biases.
Statements from protesters, event organisers, police and government authorities should be subjected to equal journalistic scrutiny, the PCI said. Journalists should describe observable actions rather than speculate about people’s motives or intentions.
The council has also cautioned against publishing or broadcasting real-time police positions, tactical movements or escape routes if disclosure could compromise safety or operational security. Particular care should be taken when filming or identifying minors, vulnerable individuals, injured people and others in distress, with journalists urged to consider the risks of retaliation, harassment and violations of privacy.
The guidelines place physical safety, editorial verification and professional conduct at the centre of protest coverage, urging journalists and newsrooms not to let the pressure for immediate or exclusive reporting override these responsibilities.
BI Bureau
