New Delhi: The Press Council of India (PCI) has asked journalists covering protests and demonstrations to maintain objectivity and impartiality while reporting, visibly display their press identity cards and comply with lawful police instructions.
The guidelines, adopted at a meeting of the council October 14, ask journalists to refrain from participating in demonstrations, taking sides or provoking confrontations, urge them to maintain distance from clashes, and remain alert to potential threats.
The guidelines come against the backdrop of the detention of several journalists covering recent protests in the national capital against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Press bodies condemned the police action, alleging that reporters were detained despite displaying press identity cards and that some had their phones and reporting equipment seized.
“In view of the prevailing scenario and the need to facilitate the orderly and effective coverage of protests and demonstrations,” the council said.
It said it adopted the guidelines to promote journalists’ safety, responsible reporting and better coordination with law enforcement authorities.
Under the guidelines, journalists have been advised to carry identity cards issued by their media organisations or PIB/DIP accreditation, as applicable, and keep them visibly displayed while covering demonstrations.
“Remain respectful, follow police orders, avoid arguments during tense situations, and comply with lawful instructions,” the guidelines state, and advise journalists to “calmly assert their press status” when necessary.
The council advised journalists to be alert to changes in crowd behaviour and identify escape routes in advance.
It also recommended carrying emergency kits with first-aid supplies, drinking water, snacks, flashlights, protective goggles, protective headgear, and body armour depending on the threat assessment.
Media organisations have been advised to maintain regular contact with reporters on assignment and designate personnel to monitor their locations and respond to emergencies.
For planned demonstrations, news organisations should coordinate with designated police officers or press liaison personnel to establish communication protocols and identify media staging areas, the guidelines said.
On reporting standards, the council urged journalists to verify information through multiple sources, subject claims by protesters and government authorities to equal scrutiny, and exercise caution while identifying minors, injured people and vulnerable individuals.
