The National Union of Journalists has launched an online interactive tool to help journalists deal with “hostile environments” and cyber threats.
The Storysmart platform has been backed by the Google News Initiative.
“Journalism has always been dangerous, but hostile environments now extend to the streets of our own cities and cyber attacks can be mounted on the devices in all of our pockets,” said Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ General Secretary.
“Storysmart is designed to raise journalists’ awareness of the challenges they face and provide tested methods to minimise risk and protect sources, however and wherever they are carrying out their work.”
The free-to-use online training modules divide risk into hostile environments, psychological trauma and well-being, cyber risks and dealing with injury.
“The Google News Initiative works side-by-side with associations, publishers and journalists to build a more sustainable, diverse and innovative news ecosystem,” added Matt Cooke, head of Google News Lab.
“This new training destination, designed by the NUJ, aims to raise awareness of practical steps and digital safety techniques. It has never been more important to protect and support journalists, and we’re grateful to the NUJ and all of the expert practitioners from across the news industry who have contributed to this project.”
