We provide support to frontline journalists, and work to ensure that all journalists, including freelancers and media support workers, are aware of safety and security issues before entering a conflict zone. We work to prevent deaths, detentions, kidnappings, and other dangers through information sharing and practical guidance. We provide on-the-ground advocacy and rapid response support to journalists who are injured, imprisoned, or forced to flee because of their work.
Gene Roberts Emergency Fund
Our Journalist Assistance program, founded in 2001, dispenses emergency grants to journalists in distress worldwide through CPJ’s Gene Roberts Emergency Fund, which was renamed in honor of Gene Roberts, the veteran U.S. journalist and former chairman of the CPJ board who was instrumental in the creation of the Journalist Assistance program. The program also raises funds for journalists from outside sources and collaborates with other freedom of expression organizations.
CPJ refers journalists to resources, including information on grants, fellowships, and awards. Due to the high volume of requests, we are not able to respond to everyone who needs our help. CPJ gives priority to crisis situations.
CPJ does not provide funding for organizations, media outlets, or media projects, and we do not offer professional training or scholarships.
ACOS Alliance
CPJ is a founding member of the ACOS Alliance, which stands for ‘A Culture of Safety’ and promotes the Freelance Journalist Safety Principles which news organizations and press groups have signed. The principles are designed to improve safety and help journalists and news organizations talk about safety with each other. Although there is no such thing as foolproof security, there are basic steps that news organizations and individual journalists can take to understand risk and improve their chances of protecting themselves and their sources.
You can find more information about the ACOS Alliance, the Freelance Journalist Safety Principles, ACOS signatories, and see details on resources available to freelancers here.
Journalists in Distress Network
CPJ is a founding member of the Journalists in Distress (JID) network, a group of 24 international organizations that provide direct assistance to journalists and media workers whose lives or careers are threatened because of their work. Established in 2006, JID allows members to coordinate responses and share information securely. Each group has its own mandate and assistance criteria; the network does not engage in advocacy.
Members of the JID Network:
- ARTICLE 19
- Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE)
- Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
- Defend Defenders/EHAHRDP
- European Centre for Press and Media Freedom
- EMHRF
- English PEN
- Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
- Freedom House
- Frontline Defenders (FLD)
- International Media Support (IMS)
- International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
- ICORN
- Internews
- IREX Journalist Safety Network
- Marie Colvin Journalists’ Network
- Media Defence
- PEN America
- PEN International
- Skeyes
- Rory Peck Trust (RPT)
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
- RSF Germany
- African Defenders