Safety of Journalists
University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool is one of the top UK universities, member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 leading UK universities.

Worlds of Journalism

The Worlds of Journalism Study is a cross-national collaborative project assessing the state of journalism in the world through representative surveys with journalists.

In co-operation with UNESCO

UNESCO is the lead UN Agency for promoting freedom of expression and safety of journalists as part of its mandate to “promote the free flow of ideas by word and image”.

Thomson Reuters Foundation

We use the combined power of journalism and the law to build global awareness of critical issues faced by humanity, inspire collective leadership, and help shape a prosperous world where no one is left behind.

Journalists' safety focus:
Digital, Legal

History

We are the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, the global news and information services company. As an independent charity, registered in the UK and the USA, we work to advance media freedom, foster more inclusive economies, and promote human rights. Through news, media development, free legal assistance and convening initiatives, we combine our unique services to drive systemic change.

Geographic scope / network

Global

Key actions and/or campaigns

Our focus areas: In Brief

Media Freedom

- The media is a crucial pillar of any free, fair and informed society.

- Media outlets are facing unprecedented economic and technological challenges and there is an alarming increase in attacks on journalists around the world.

- We work with journalists, media managers, legal practitioners, policymakers, regulators, technologists, academia, and businesses to foster a free and prosperous media ecosystem that can play a vital role in supporting democracy and development.

 Inclusive Economies

- There is increasing recognition that while capitalism can produce growth and spur innovation, it is also generating a deepening economic and social divide and is hurting our planet.

- Growing inequality, the climate crisis, modern slavery, and the erosion of privacy and freedoms caused by the latest technological developments are among the biggest challenges of our time.

- We work with journalists, legal practitioners, civil society, policymakers, and the private sector to foster equitable, participatory, and sustainable economies that create opportunities for everyone.

Human Rights

- Human rights are inalienable, universal rights belonging to every single human being, irrespective of race, religion, or creed.

- They are fundamental to our mission – societies cannot be free, fair, or informed without respect for these human rights.

- We raise awareness of human rights issues around the world via our news coverage and by training local journalists to report accurately on these issues.

- We facilitate legal assistance and research to support frontline human rights organisations, and drive collaborations to advance these rights and influence policy change through partnerships, working groups and events.

Key outputs

Practical and legal tools to protect the safety of journalists (guides, research, training)

Methodology of key outputs

Safety of Journalists (trust.org)

Key Priorities for next 2 years

Legal support to media, where we deploy a range of legal services to support journalists at risk and bolster media ecosystem.

Technology for media:  help media use the latest technology to build better, safer, and more sustainable journalism.

Safety of journalists: develop solutions to protect journalists from online and offline harassment and intimidation. 

Ethics, standards, and sustainability of local journalism to make sure that independent media around the world can produce and disseminate accurate, impartial, and reliable journalism that bolsters government and business accountability and informs citizens.

Journalism in exile: support to independent journalists who fled from crises and war zones to continue produce free and fair reporting.

Interested in collaborating

Online Safety and Digital Security, Legal Safety

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Thomson Reuters Foundation