Show press ID, avoid confrontations: PCI issues guidelines for journalists covering protests after Delhi detention | Today’s news
The Press Council of India (PCI) has issued guidelines for journalists regarding protests and demonstrations, days after several journalists were detained by the Delhi Police while covering protests called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
More than 200 protesters were detained on October 11 as they raised slogans and marched towards Jantar Mantar. The protest witnessed heavy security deployment across the state capital, with several protesters seen being dragged into police buses.
Several journalists covering the protests were also detained despite showing their press credentials, according to videos that circulated on social media. Visuals showed some journalists presenting their press cards to police personnel as they were led away.
In this context, the Press Council adopted Guidelines for journalists covering protests and demonstrations at a meeting held on 15 October. The guidelines aim to help journalists fulfill their professional obligations while ensuring their safety, promoting responsible reporting and improving coordination between media organizations and law enforcement agencies, the Council said in a report.
What journalists should keep in mind
The Council asked journalists to carry valid identification issued by their media organizations or PIB/DIP accreditation and to keep it clearly visible. She also advised them to secure lanyards for their ID cards to keep them out of the crowd.
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Journalists should identify themselves to police personnel in a calm manner, maintain an impartial attitude and avoid partisanship or confrontational provocation, the Council said, adding that they should also follow legal guidelines, especially those to ensure security, the directive said.
In terms of physical security, the Council advised media workers to avoid confrontations and be alert to crowd movements. They should avoid attaching cameras or other recording devices to police barricades, vehicles or equipment in a way that could impede movement or cause damage.
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The guidelines also call on journalists to be aware of changing conditions around them, including changes in crowd behavior, approaching individuals, rising tensions and unusual changes in noise levels. They should identify possible escape routes in advance and continuously update their escape plans as the situation evolves.
In areas affected by smoke or tear gas, journalists should use visible landmarks to find safe routes out of the affected zone and avoid further movement into the crowd. The council also advised them to take short steps when walking through dense gatherings to minimize the risk of falling or being trampled.
First aid kits, protective equipment and editorial coordination
PCI recommended that journalists carry a small emergency kit containing first aid supplies, drinking water, snacks, flashlight, washcloth and eye protection. Depending on the potential risks, they should also consider wearing hard hats and body armor.
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Media workers should familiarize themselves with basic first aid procedures. The guidelines specifically warn them against handling tear gas canisters, flash devices or smoke grenades.
News organizations were asked to appoint a designated contact person to track the whereabouts of journalists on assignment and coordinate assistance in the event of an emergency. Freelance journalists, meanwhile, should inform a trusted editor or contact of their location, coverage plan and expected return time, he said.
For pre-planned demonstrations, media organizations should liaise with police and public information officers to understand relevant protocols and identify press areas, the council said.
Ethics of reporting and use of live footage
The Council called for accurate, balanced and impartial reporting, with a clear distinction between verified information, allegations and unconfirmed claims. Journalists should compare information from multiple sources and scrutinize statements from protesters, organizers, police and government authorities with equal scrutiny to ensure that claims are properly attributed.
The guidance also warns against sharing details of real-time police deployments or escape routes if it could put people at risk. Journalists were advised to describe what they witnessed rather than speculate about the intentions of those involved.
The council called for greater sensitivity in recording minors, injured persons and members of the public in distress. She further stressed that the pressure to secure exclusive footage, equipment requirements or live broadcast commitments should never take precedence over a journalist’s safety.
