Idea Lab: Staying Safe While Staying on the Story

More public media journalists are facing threats, harassment, and safety concerns in the field. Whether you're covering contentious local issues, documenting protests, or navigating increasingly hostile environments, you need strategies that work.
This member-only roundtable brings together journalists who've faced these challenges to share what's worked, what hasn't, and how we're adapting.
With you leading the conversation, we'll explore:

• Assessing Risk: Share your methods for evaluating situations before and during coverage—from solo reporting decisions to coordinating with your team on potentially volatile stories.
• De-escalation and Response: Exchange tactics for handling confrontations, managing hostile encounters, and knowing when to step back without abandoning the story.
• Institutional Support: Discuss what safety protocols and resources your stations have (or should have), from training and equipment to legal backing and mental health support.

Come ready to share your experiences and leave with practical strategies you can use right away.