Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1054784
76 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2018 | sagaftra.org a provision that digital reporters have the right to exercise good judgement and refuse an assignment if they feel it could put them in danger. In another contract, reporters who cover wildfires must be provided proper clothing and safety equipment, including masks. The union and management also work with local police and fire departments to ensure reporters are properly trained for these situations. The proliferation of multimedia journalists has created new challenges, since they often work alone. That has led to language in some contracts that prohibits solo live shots. The concern is that it can be difficult for reporters to look out for their well-being while concentrating on delivering a live report. Mike Schuh, a member of the BSC who works at WJZ in Baltimore, said while the world has changed quickly, broadcasters' safety hasn't kept pace with the threats. And the very act of reporting the news, which involves having to talk to unknown people in sometimes-dangerous places, leaves reporters vulnerable. "We have people who have mental health issues, stalkers and people who may be politically motivated and who are angry. But as a broadcaster, we don't know their background or what their motivations are. Our first inclination is to be friendly to people because that's how we do our jobs. We're in the business of making friends and have them tell us their stories," Schuh said. "[But] what really concerns me are the stations as targets." he said, adding that he hopes employers will invest the resources to add additional layers of security. "I think a station has an obligation to try and prepare for the worst … I'm not saying everything is going to be foolproof, but I look around at what's happening and it seems like they can do more." Journalists have long faced the prospect of being in harm's way while out in the field, whether it's overseas in a volatile part of the world or just in the dangerous part of town. What's new — particularly since the Capital Gazette shooting — is the fear that they will be targeted in their workplaces. At the Gazette, only a glass door stood between the shooter and his victims. That should be a wake-up call that station owners and management need to take security seriously. To address these threats, the union and its members are examining ways to work with management to make sure everyone stays safe. Suggestions include security audits from a third party, on-site training, unmarking news vans and putting a system in place that ensures all employees are notified if there's an incident or threat to a station. SAG-AFTRA Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro said that while some amount of danger comes with the job, journalists should not have to work under a cloud of perpetual threat. "If they are going to a war zone or covering fire, journalists realize that risks come with the job. But they shouldn't have to fear for their lives while working in their offices, performing a live shot or covering a political event," she said. www.assileye.com corporateadvantage@assileye.com 855.979.8857 DR. KERRY ASSIL Medical Director & CEO DR. SVETLANA PILYUGINA Retina Specialist Vitreo-Retinal Surgery 450 N. Roxbury Dr. 3rd Fl Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 2222 Santa Monica Blvd. #107 Santa Monica, CA 90404 DR. AVNEET SODHI GAUR Director of Glaucoma Service and Cataract Surgeon DR. RAFI ISRAEL Oculoplastics Specialist SAG-AFTRA staff, members & family receive and preferred pricing on elective treatments: 3D All Laser Premium Cataract Oculoplastics (Eyelid Lifts/Botox) Glaucoma, Retina, Dry Eye Therapy *PPO Insurance/Medi-Medi for medically necessary procedures for ENHANCED PERFORMANCE ENHANCED VISION $500 OFF PER EYE ALL LASER LASIK NBA PLAYER CHRIS PAUL says LASIK with Dr. Kerry Assil gave him an edge on 3-point shots! Savings applies to standard list price and cannot be combined with other discount or program offers. Interest free financing available. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K AEI_SAG-AFTRA Ad_v9_082818.pdf 1 8/24/18 12:18 PM