Wiltshire Police is set to appoint a designated journalist safety liaison officer, the Prime Minister has announced.
Every force across England and Wales will appoint a specialist police officer to deal with crimes against news professionals after a survey by the National Union of Journalists revealed shocking results. It was found more than half of workers in the sector have experienced online abuse and nearly a quarter have been physically assaulted.
In an action plan drawn up by the government to help protect journalists from abuse, harassment, threats of violence and intimidation.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said: “Freedom of speech and a free press are at the very core of our democracy, and journalists must be able to go about their work without being threatened.
“The cowardly attacks and abuse directed at reporters for simply doing their job cannot continue.
“This action plan is just the start of our work to protect those keeping the public informed, and defend those holding the government to account.”
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has also appointed Chief Constable Gavin Stephens to oversee crime against journalists at a national level.
To assist journalists, the Media Lawyers Association is to produce new guidance so that journalists can recognise when abuse goes beyond what is acceptable and breaks the law. Changes in law are expected through the Online Safety Bill that is currently going through parliament.
Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary, adds: “Attacks on journalists are not only horrendous for those individuals but an assault on our democracy. Today’s action plan will make sure journalists can go about their vital work without fear.
“But just as we protect the physical safety of journalists we must protect their freedom to write and report too.
“Tackling worrying trends on online censorship of journalistic content and controversial views, we will ensure our forthcoming online safety laws build in robust protections for journalism.”
