Election survival guide for journalists

Today, let’s all exercise our right to choose people who will lead our country.

Pray that this election will be peaceful and will reflect the will of the people.

As we move to the age of automation, which is supposed to lessen fraud, it seems that there are things of the ugly past that persist up to this day. Like private armies and harassment of media.

Ed Montalvan of Mindanao Currents reports in VERA Files CoveritLive that two cameramen of IBC-13 were mauled, their cameras taken away, while recording two candidates distributing money in Camiguin in Northern Mindanao.

With television and internet, the public is apprised of what is happening all over the country in real time. Media is not alone in bringing news to the public. There are thousands of citizens all over the country doing journalist work.

Just a word of caution: The job of informing the people of the truth may put you in uncomfortable, even dangerous, situations. The National Union of Journalists issued this survival guide, adapted form the Election Reporting handbook of the International Federation of Journalists, in covering today’s elections.

1. Know your rights. Knowing the different regulations will be useful when going through checkpoints, taking pictures, entering polling areas, taking exit polls and other activities journalists usually conduct in the process of election coverage. In particular, understand election laws, such as the Fair Elections Act, and the provisions related to media.

2. Be informed. Be as prepared as possible before leaving for your assignment. Know the political, racial, religious or any other conflict that exists in the area where you have been deployed for coverage.

3. Have your contacts ready. Having as many contacts as possible will help your coverage but at the same time serve as safety net if trouble erupts.

4. Know your destination. Many journalists are usually assigned to far-flung areas during elections. Try to research the area if you have not been there before. Know the safe routes and safe havens (i.e. church, hospitals) in case you need to leave or find a sanctuary

5. Dress appropriately. Always dress in comfortable clothing that does not limit your freedom of movement. Definitely no heels or narrow skirts. Avoid expensive jewelries because they make you a walking target for criminals. Be aware of the colors of the political movements and parties active in your area of coverage and avoid wearing them. Avoid t-shirts with political slogans. Wearing clothes that proclaim your identity as a journalist has to be weighed carefully. In some areas, it is an advantage to be instantly identifiable as a journalist since it opens access to people you need to interview. In other areas, particularly those classified by the police as areas of concern, journalists are sometimes targeted precisely because they are from the media. Weigh the pros and cons and use your judgment.

6. Listen to the locals. Pay attention to advice from people living in a region or an area. They know best. Watch out for big crowds. They are a good signal for what is happening. But don’t stop your vehicle in front of the crowd, or try to drive through it. And if things are too quiet and there are few or no people on the streets, this could indicate danger. If there are other journalists about, stick close to them. If you are caught in the middle of a disturbance, move away – but don’t run. If you run, you could be seen as a target. Do not attempt to cross directly from one side of a confrontation to the other. Above all, remember to keep someone – your office, your home, your organization, or the NUJP – informed about where you are at all times.

7. The most basic rule of covering a conflict area is never to travel alone. If there is no one else from your news organization available, find a colleague to take along. Always tell your editor, colleagues and family where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Make sure someone at home knows what to do and who to contact if you don’t arrive.

8. If fighting erupts:

• Do not be overconfident. Know your own limitations.

• Closer is not always better. Think about a higher, more distant, position. Explicit images are rarely broadcast.

• Never carry a firearm or weapon – you lose your civilian status.

• Don’t pick up battle souvenirs – they may explode.

• Be aware of the potential for error if observing artillery, bombs or missiles on nearby positions. You are at risk of being hit by so-called ‘friendly fire’.

• What goes up must come down. Beware of celebratory fire.

• Pay attention to what others are doing. If other journalists start leaving, they might know something you do not. Pay attention to civilians. If busy streets suddenly empty, perhaps you should consider a rapid withdrawal.

9. What you should have with you. Number one of course is your press card. Decide whether it is safer to keep it in your pocket or have it in the open. Bring first aid tools such as bandages and basic medicines such as pain reliever and disinfectant. Bring food such as biscuits and water if there is possibility of the coverage extending to several days. Flashlights are important since power outages on election day are normal highlights. Extra clothes, spare batteries, pre-paid mobile phone cards and portable radio for monitoring are all important. Small and large plastic bags may also come in handy during emergencies.

10. Be alert, particularly those working on sensitive election stories. Keep a close watch for unusual activities and unfamiliar faces. The philosophy is that, once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, and three times is enemy action. If you feel something is wrong, bring it to the attention of the authorities and your station or newspaper. It is better to suffer a little embarrassment in the event you are wrong, than suffer the consequences if you are right!