It is timely that the Center for International Media Assistance is releasing a new report, Under Attack: Practicing Journalism in a Dangerous World, which examines threats to journalists’ safety, particularly in hostile media environments.
2009 has been the bloodiest year for media professionals since 1992, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Worldwide, at least 68 journalists were killed in 2009, the highest annual figure documented by CPJ.
Recent attacks on journalists in Somalia highlight the dangers journalists face, while recent developments in the Congo suggest why self-censorship is an understandable response on the part of imperiled practitioners.
The CIMA report by Bill Ristow, a Seattle-based journalist and trainer, draws on the experience of press freedom experts, and the insights of some of those on the front lines. He recommends more targeted coordination of efforts by international organizations, greater investment in safety training, and tougher policy on the part of governments and multilaterals toward countries that condone journalists’ killings.
Under Attack: Practicing Journalism in a Dangerous World and a short summary of the report are available for download, along with previous CIMA reports and videos of CIMA discussions and events. The Web site also features a comprehensive bibliographic database of media assistance resources with information on more than 800 reports, articles, books, and manuals related to media assistance.
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