Basic TV Reporting, 2nd Edition

The Journalist’s Survival Code

• You are more important than the story. No story is worth your life.

• If you are threatened, get out as fast as you can.

• If authorities can’t guarantee your safety, leave the country.

• Never carry a gun or other weapon.

• Never point your finger; it can be mistaken for a gun.

• Know the country, the region and the people involved.

• Know the language at least well enough to identify yourself and to talk to local residents.

• Always carry complete identification papers.

• If you are in an unfamiliar area, travel with other journalists who know it well.

• Know all your journalistic colleagues in dangerous situations. Strangers may not be what they seem.

• Outcries against abuse provide protection. Resist abuse ...