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The government has announced that every UK police force now has a dedicated officer to assist journalists facing threats of abuse and violence. These journalist safety liaison officers (JSLOs) are part of a strengthened partnership between police, government, and media professionals. Media Minister Ian Murray emphasized the importance of supporting and protecting journalists who often find themselves in harm’s way while providing accurate news to the public.
The Society of Editors and the News Media Association have welcomed this initiative, with the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) calling it a crucial milestone. All 43 forces in England and Wales, as well as the British Transport Police and Counter Terror Policing, now have JSLOs, in addition to pre-existing officers in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) highlighted that the JSLOs can offer safety guidance for high-risk reporting situations, like protests, and ensure that crimes against journalists are consistently recorded and addressed.
The appointment of JSLOs is part of the government’s national action plan for the safety of journalists, launched in October 2023. There have been growing concerns in recent years about press freedom being under attack, evident in cases like the murder of Lyra McKee and the numerous threats faced by journalists in Northern Ireland since 2019. Journalists have reported receiving death and bomb threats, leading some to take precautions like installing bullet-proof windows and panic buttons in their homes. The hope is that by having direct points of contact in every police force, journalists will feel reassured and supported whenever issues arise.
Various organizations and officials have expressed support for the establishment of JSLOs, emphasizing the importance of protecting journalists and ensuring their safety. Beyond the UK, concerns about journalists’ safety persist globally, with data from the Committee to Protect Journalists showing that in 2024, 104 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide, and many others imprisoned or missing. This highlights the ongoing need for initiatives like JSLOs to safeguard the crucial role journalists play in providing accurate information to the public
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