An action plan drawn up by the Government to help protect journalists across the UK has been welcomed by the editor of Island Echo.
The Government has today (Tuesday) revealed its plan to protect journalists from abuse, harassment, threats of violence and intimidation as it is revealed that more than half of respondents to a National Union of Journalists survey have experienced online abuse and nearly a quarter have been physically assaulted.
Under the national plans unveiled by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), every Police force in the country – including Hampshire Constabulary – will be given access to a designated journalist safety liaison officer. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has also appointed Chief Constable Gavin Stephens to oversee crime against journalists at a national level.
To assist journalists, the Media Lawyers Association is to produce new guidance so that journalists can recognise when abuse goes beyond what is acceptable and breaks the law. Changes in law are expected through the Online Safety Bill that is currently going through Parliament.
Furthermore, social media giants Facebook and Twitter have pledged to respond promptly to complaints of threats to journalists’ safety.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said:
“Freedom of speech and a free press are at the very core of our democracy, and journalists must be able to go about their work without being threatened.
“The cowardly attacks and abuse directed at reporters for simply doing their job cannot continue.
Article continues below this advertisement “This action plan is just the start of our work to protect those keeping the public informed, and defend those holding the government to account.”
Darren Toogood, Editor and Publisher of Island Echo, has said:
“Over the past 12 years that I have been in this industry – almost 9 of which as the editor of Island Echo – I have experienced first hand the disgusting levels of abuse that journalists receive. From being physically assaulted to suffering criminal damage and even receiving death threats, all because we are just doing our job. It’s unbelievable really that this has all been allowed to go on for so long but today’s news will hopefully mark the start of a new era in which journalists are protected with clear legal guidance on what the Police can do when journalists report a crime.
“The NUJ survey, which I completed myself, reveals how online abuse and physical assaults are commonplace within the industry. Yet there are only 3 cases, all of which have happened fairly recently, which can be cited where members of the public have been prosecuted for their actions towards journalists.
“The Prime Minister has very clearly said that attacks and abuse directed at reporters cannot continue. Everyone needs to take note of these powerful words and should be aware that the Government, Police and journalists will no longer accept the status quo”.
Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary, adds:
“Attacks on journalists are not only horrendous for those individuals but an assault on our democracy. Today’s action plan will make sure journalists can go about their vital work without fear.
“But just as we protect the physical safety of journalists we must protect their freedom to write and report too. Tackling worrying trends on online censorship of journalistic content and controversial views, we will ensure our forthcoming online safety laws build in robust protections for journalism.”
Well if the media told the truth then people wouldn’t get some angry, simple!
Exactly if the media did not spin the truth to suit their own agenda there would be no problem .How many posts are pulled for no apparent reason other than it does not suit someone on the editorial staffs views. All most of the public want is the facts good or bad so that we can make up our own minds on whether we agree or disagree.
If people tell the truth it is censored, if anyone in power is concerned.
Local media is the only relevant news these days. Mainstream news buys their stories in and adjusts the headlines for advertising gain and paper sales. They have no interest in being journalists anymore.