Journalists play a vital role in bringing critical information to the public during times of crisis, but their own safety must remain a top priority.

This was the message from Professor Dr. Surya Parkash Gupta of India’s National Institute of Disaster Management, who addressed journalists and content producers this week at the Asia-Pacific Institute of Broadcast Development.

“When journalists go out to cover disasters, they’re human beings too — and they deserve protection,” Dr. Gupta said. He stressed that while reporters have a responsibility to cover unfolding events, their safety should always come first.

A report by Reporters Without Borders in 2020 highlighted the risks, showing that at least 10 journalists lost their lives over a 10-year period while reporting on natural disasters and environmental issues. These included dangerous assignments covering cyclones, floods, landslides, and earthquakes.

Dr. Gupta urged National Disaster Management offices to strengthen cooperation with the media. He explained that regular briefings for journalists can help them avoid putting themselves in unnecessary danger, particularly during disasters such as earthquakes, where aftershocks and unstable buildings pose severe risks.

He also called on media organizations to invest in stronger safety measures for their staff. “Journalists must be properly equipped when they are sent out. Newsrooms should have first aid and emergency protocols in place 24/7, even for staff working from studios,” he said.

This week, senior media executives and content creators from the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation and the Papua New Guinea Broadcasting Corporation are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a workshop focused on strengthening climate and disaster reporting in Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The event also explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to support this work.

The workshop is organized by the Asia-Pacific Institute of Broadcasting Development in partnership with UNESCO.