Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1325752
Broadcasters Discuss Safety in the Field T he SAG-AFTRA News & Broadcast Department hosted an online webinar titled Covering Street Protests and Civil Unrest on Oct. 17. Detroit-based broadcaster and shop steward Vickie Thomas moderated the presentation with Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism's Dart Center representative, veteran reporter, instructor and author Judith Matloff. The discussion comes at a time when broadcasters face increased threats in the field to their health and safety due to the coronavirus pandemic and the additional challenges that arise when covering community activism and the election. During the livestream, Matloff emphasized the importance of maintaining social distancing practices and discussed tactics to employ during hostile situations or when being detained by law enforcement. "The key thing with any sort of situation is preparation. You want to anticipate ahead of time the worst thing that might happen," said Matloff. "Do as much research as possible on the police force, demonstrators and counter-demonstrators." The webinar was sponsored by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. Visit sagaftra.org/videos to watch this presentation. Detroit broadcaster Vickie Thomas, top, moderates a presentation by Columbia University's Judith Matloff. Matloff provided helpful tips about reporting safely in potentially dangerous situations and shows off the safety bag she uses when in the field.