- Published On
- March 20, 2020
- Written by
- Kirstin McCudden from Freedom of the Press Foundation
A journalist photographs through the window outside the White House briefing room as President Donald Trump addresses the COVID-19 pandemic inside. As journalists’ work has quickly evolved, resources and safety guides bring best practices and tips.
Spring, as of yesterday, has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere.
That’s the only normal-feeling sentence I can find.
Here at the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, we continue in this time of global pandemic to watch for and document press freedom violations across the United States, as we’ve been doing since 2017. That tracking has always — and will continue to — rely on our incredibly strong partner community.
Here’s a roundup of resources from some of our partners as work, life and how-we-do-journalism evolves as fast as the news around the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Journalism
Association of Health Care Journalists
All journalism is now health-care journalism, to some degree. Our partners at AHCJ have a resource page on where to find the latest COVID-19 research, with tips for how to carefully report those findings.
“(R)ight now is the easiest time to make a mistake in reporting on a poorly vetted study or not adequately conveying context and nuance in the study,” writes Tara Haelle, medical studies core topic leader for AHCJ.
Read: Finding the latest COVID-19 studies — and covering them thoughtfully
Columbia Journalism Review
“The impossible has become commonplace before our eyes,” writes Kyle Pope, editor in chief and publisher. Pope breaks down lessons learned (so far) in reporting on COVID-19, and reminds us that journalism, local journalism especially, has value.
Read: How to cover a fast-moving pandemic
Poynter
This writing resource is something I’ve returned to time and again and shared with every reporter I’ve ever managed. It’s been repackaged for writing in the time of the novel coronavirus and the advice — like the curse of knowledge and beginning with just one reader — is as applicable as ever.
Read: 12 writing tools to make COVID-19 coverage comprehensible. One stands above the rest.
For Remote Journalists
Freedom of the Press Foundation
Here at FPF, where the Tracker is housed, the focus continues to be on ways to protect, defend and empower journalists. Our team has shifted into high gear to make resources like how to lock down Signal, where sources can safely pass information to journalists, feasible in this new remote environment.
Our digital security training team has published a remote working guide, which includes links and a must-read list of personal To-Dos for digital security while working from home. Importantly, the team is just a ping away if you need help.
Read: How journalists can work from home securely
Online News Association
It’s wise to get tips on remote work from an organization with online in its name. Its staff gets personal with managing expectations, workspace and mental health.
Read: Tips and ideas for working from home
For Journalists in the Field
Committee to Protect Journalists
From pre-assignment communication plans to post-assignment wellness checks, our founding partner CPJ is updating its safety advisory for reporting on the pandemic. This guide is for domestic and global reporters alike.
Read: CPJ Safety Advisory: Covering the coronavirus outbreak
National Press Photographers Association
For the visual journalists, NPAA has released a safety help sheet that includes best practices for keeping equipment and workstations clean.
Read: NPPA Safety Help Sheet
Radio and Television Digital News Association
By reaching out to newsrooms at the front lines of other crises and this one, RTDNA has pulled together a roundup of resources including a crisis management planning template on its guidance page.
Read: Coronavirus and the Newsroom: Guidance to keep your team safe
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Our partners at RCFP just launched a resource page with recommendations for ensuring public access to government information during the COVID-19 pandemic, plus tips for journalists on the front lines.
Read: Press freedom and government transparency during COVID-19
Student Law Press Center
Covering the pandemic has come with its own set of challenges for student journalists, many of whom have seen their education come to an abrupt stop. SPLC answers FAQs, noting: “Across the U.S., student journalists have stepped up to cover how COVID-19 is affecting their schools and communities.”
As our partners continue to be a source of knowledge and strength in these evolving times, we at the Tracker hope you and yours are safe and healthy.
Find all of our partners on our About page.