Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has launched the Providing Reporters with Emergency Safety Supplies (PRESS) Fund, a new grant program to help journalists obtain personal protective equipment (PPE) amid a spike in threats to those reporting on the ground over the past year. The PPE program’s initial funding will support at least 120 journalists in need.
The PRESS Fund aims to protect journalists covering protests, civil unrest, and immigration enforcement throughout the country. It is flexible and scalable to rapidly respond to evolving situations on the ground. The program invites journalists to apply for grants to reimburse the purchase of vital safety equipment, including first-aid kits, helmets, eye protection, protective vests, and respirator masks. The program prioritizes freelancers, independent journalists, and reporters from under-resourced news organizations.
“RSF built this program as a direct response to the journalists around the country who have repeatedly told us they wish they had been better equipped before covering violent situations. Unfortunately, protective gear remains largely out of reach for many freelancers, independent journalists, and reporters working in under-resourced news organizations. By covering the cost of equipment and connecting journalists with advanced training programs, we’re aiming to fill a gap and help US journalists do their jobs more safely.”
Clayton Weimers, Executive Director, RSF North America
Keeping journalists safe
Over the last year, we’ve seen repeated instances of threats and violence against reporters. Journalists were notably attacked by federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while covering protests against the administration’s immigration crackdown. Law enforcement agents also used excessive force in other major cities, such as Los Angeles and Chicago, deploying tear gas and rubber bullets, which led to multiple injuries.
The PRESS Fund responds to concerns expressed by journalists nationwide about being unprepared to report in such dangerous circumstances. RSF has operated similar programs in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, and South America. This new US fund is the first such RSF program in North America.
Equipment is not a replacement for training
No protective gear, however, will guarantee a journalist’s safety. RSF stresses that any journalist who may potentially cover civil unrest and law enforcement actions should undergo professional safety training in addition to procuring protective equipment. Situational awareness remains the best first line of defense, and protective gear alone is not sufficient to ensure safety.
To this end, RSF partnered with the non-profit Crisis Ready Media during a March 23-24 training session for 18 journalists in Chicago by providing the equipment for hands-on training, then giving the participants exclusive early access to the grant application. Ahead of the training, 90% of trainees reported feeling “ill-prepared for hazards” on assignment, and 92% of participants reported feeling “in danger” while on assignment. RSF is planning additional collaborations to pair existing training programs with this new PPE program. Media professionals should also refer to the RSF Resources for Journalists website for the latest updates and recommendations.
How to apply?
RSF is currently evaluating journalists’ grant applications and will be providing those eligible with reimbursements for pre-approved equipment. All gear must be used strictly for journalistic purposes by the grantee in the United States. Interested journalists can apply for funding here.
You can reach out with any questions regarding the PPE program using our secure email address: rsf-usa@rsfsecure.org.