When members of the public are directly involved in the news media, they are exposed to great opportunities but also a range of risks. There are also new opportunities and risks for journalists when working with members of the public, particularly where participants are vulnerable
Co-creational news media organisations and initiatives take these issues seriously and aim to mitigate them with respectful and sensitive governance policies and procedures.
Tips
- Put policies and procedures in place to ensure that participants are not exploited, harmed or put at risk. Take advice if necessary to ensure that you are fulfilling any legal safeguarding responsibilities.
- Be sensitive to participants’ needs and offer additional support when necessary.
- Avoid placing an unsustainable burden on participants. Create opportunities for participants to step back from a project if it’s too much for them.
Example
- RadHR supports organisations and initiatives to co-create HR policies and procedures that see people as humans rather than cogs in a machine.
