Shooting the Messenger - with Hannah Storm: The Case for Press Freedom – Details, episodes & analysis

• Jaldeep shares his childhood experiences with racism and his motivation to become a journalist
• He charts his career journey through BBC local radio, Channel 4 News, and international media work in countries including DR Congo, Haiti, and South Sudan. 
• Hear about challenges faced by minority journalists in the UK and beyond, and the safety and mental health risks including online harassment and workplace racism.
• Jaldeep and Hannah explore the significance of diversity, representation, and storytelling in building trust in journalism.
• Learn more about the work of the Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity and how its research drives change in newsroom practices.
• Take away reflections on hope, progress towards fairer societies, and the power of truth-telling in uncertainty and crises.

In this episode of Shooting the Messenger: The Case for Press Freedom, host Hannah Storm speaks with Phil Chetwynd, the Global News Director for Agence France-Presse. 
They talk about how challenges to journalists and journalism are changing. Their conversation considers the violence faced by media professionals, the impunity that exists for crimes against them, as well as how misinformation and access restrictions are threatening press freedom. Phil emphasises the need for collective action to protect journalists and press freedom, highlighting the increasing threats and lack of accountability in many regions.
Phil shares insights from his career, including experiences in Asia leading newsrooms through crisis and disaster, reinforcing the importance of empathy, effective communication and conversations around mental health and safety. 
Hannah and Phil discuss the importance of resilience, accountability, effective leadership and innovation in safeguarding journalism and journalists. 
His final message underscores the existential threat to journalism and the importance of protecting the messenger to ensure the future health of our societies.  
**Please note, Phil is referred to in the podcast as the Global News Editor, when in fact his role is Global News Director**

In this episode of "Shooting the Messenger," Hannah Storm hosts Rachel Corp, CEO of ITN, to explore the vital importance of eyewitness journalism, the challenges faced by journalists today, and the enduring need for press freedom. Rachel shares her extensive experience covering conflicts, discusses the impact of misinformation, the importance of mental health conversations in newsrooms, and emphasizes journalism's role in democracy.

Key Topics

• Rachel Corp's journey into journalism, from university radio to international reporting and then leadership of ITN.
• The core principles of eyewitness journalism: human connection, authenticity, and proximity
• The impact of misinformation, disinformation, and AI on journalistic integrity
• The importance of regional news and efforts to combat news deserts in the UK
• Challenges faced by women journalists: online harassment, career progression, and work-life balance
• Initiatives by Women in Journalism, including mentoring and AI upskilling programmes
• The significance of press regulation, impartiality, and accessible trustworthy information
• Strategies for managing mental health and wellbeing in high-pressure news environments
• The fight against attacks on journalism and the importance of defending press freedom

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:22 - Rachel Cork’s background and early career 01:23 - The importance of human stories and eyewitness reporting 02:57 - Covering conflicts: Bosnia, Gaza, and Iran 04:37 - Misinformation, disinformation, and the role of real-time eyewitness journalism 06:23 - Reporting from conflict zones: challenges and solutions 07:54 - Regional news deserts and efforts to reinstate local journalism 09:00 - The evolution and support of regional journalism in the UK 10:43 - Women in journalism: progress and ongoing challenges 12:08 - Online harassment faced by women journalists 13:39 - Mentoring, training, and embracing AI for future-proof journalism 15:23 - The importance of community and informal mentoring networks 16:47 - Experiences with online harassment and balancing motherhood with journalism 18:02 - Managing hostile responses and the importance of resilience 19:37 - Supporting mental health and wellbeing in high-stress newsrooms 22:26 - The value and purpose of a journalism career with impact 30:19 - Why press freedom and impartial regulation are essential for democracy 33:40 - Fighting attacks on journalists and defending free media 34:54 - Closing remarks and final thoughts on press responsibility

Resources & Links:

• Women in Journalism
• ITN - Official Website
• Ofcom - UK Broadcast Regulator

In this episode, Hannah Storm speaks with Sergiy Tomilenko, head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, about the vital role of journalism amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They explore the evolving threats journalists face, innovative solidarity initiatives, mental health support, and the importance of global media solidarity.

Main Topics:

• The impact of war on press freedom and journalist safety in Ukraine
• Innovation in journalist support: solidarity centers and safety tools
• Mental health and resilience strategies for journalists under crisis
• International solidarity’s role in safeguarding journalism and information access
• The significance of press freedom for democracy and peace

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Press freedom and journalism safety during conflict
 00:45 - Sergiy Tomilenko’s background and work supporting Ukrainian journalists
 01:42 - The toll of international advocacy tours and maintaining morale
 02:37 - The role of journalism in defending truth and supporting ordinary people
 04:08 - Challenges and dangers faced by Ukrainian journalists during the war
 05:28 - The story of Vasyl Miroshnyk and local newspaper resilience
 06:49 - Daily threats from Russian drones and frontline dangers
 08:06 - Changes in threats to journalism pre- and post-invasion
 09:16 - The threat and mitigation of drone attacks on journalists
 12:03 - Equipment and mental health support for journalists in war zones
 13:18 - The mental health toll of prolonged conflict and resilience measures
 21:41 - The creation and impact of Ukrainian Journalist Solidarity Centers
 24:13 - Peer support, safety trainings, and international influence
 28:27 - Recognition and awards for journalistic solidarity efforts
 30:19 - The importance of ongoing international media support
 32:33 - Addressing fatigue and maintaining awareness of Ukraine’s ongoing crisis
 34:03 - The link between press freedom, democracy, and peace
 36:12 - Closing message: The importance of supporting independent journalism

Resources & Links:

• European Federation of Journalists
• UNESCO Media Safety Resources
• International Federation of Journalists
• European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom
• Journalist Solidarity Centers (Ukrainian Union of Journalists)

In this episode, join Hannah Storm as she speaks with Diane Foley, who shares the inspiring story of how she turned personal tragedy into a global call for press freedom, moral courage, and understanding. Diane shares insights from her journey—her son Jim's legacy, her faith, and her remarkable efforts to advocate for journalists and foster empathy worldwide.
Key Topics

• Diane Foley’s background and the founding of the Foley Foundation
• The importance of moral courage in journalism, as exemplified by Jim Foley
• The connection between press freedom and democracy
• Safety challenges faced by journalists, especially freelancers and correspondents in conflict zones
• Lessons from Diane’s encounter with Alexander Kotey, one of the men accused of torturing her son, and the power of listening and empathy
• The role of faith and hope in sustaining activism and advocacy
• How storytelling and listening can bridge divisions and heal polarization
• Practical efforts to improve journalist safety through organizations like the ACOS Alliance
• The ongoing impact and legacy of Jim Foley’s moral courage

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: press freedom, sacrifice, and Diane Foley’s story
 01:02 - Diane’s reflections on Jim Foley’s legacy and moral courage
 02:28 - Jim Foley’s motivation to become a journalist and his dedication to truth
 04:15 - The significance of holding space for marginalized voices
 06:19 - The importance for the public to understand journalists' risks
 08:15 - Link between press freedom and democracy
 10:05 - Evolving threats to journalists and press freedom over time
 11:41 - The Foley Foundation’s mission and key achievements
 13:43 - Advice for young journalists in a dangerous world
 15:22 - The role of the ACOS Alliance in journalist safety, especially freelancers
 17:13 - What keeps Diane going: moral courage and faith
 18:34 - The power of hope and standing for what is right
 20:17 - Faith as Diane’s strength amid adversity
 21:30 - Maintaining energy and resilience at nearly 80 years old
 23:12 - The importance of listening and empathy in bridging divides
 25:15 - The experience of meeting Alexander Cote and the act of forgiveness
 26:43 - The significance of empathy and compassion in healing and understanding
 28:00 - Jim Foley’s enduring legacy of moral courage and influence
 29:24 - Addressing those who attack journalists and threaten press freedom
 30:20 - The role of hope, love, and moral courage in a better future
 31:13 - Final thoughts and messages of support for press freedom advocates
Resources & Links

• American Mother by Diane Foley
• Foley Foundation
• Committee to Protect Journalists
• Reporters Without Borders
• Narrative Four
• ACOS Alliance

Join Hannah Storm for this launch episode, featuring an in-depth conversation with Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists. Here they discuss the critical importance of press freedom amidst increasing threats to journalists worldwide. Discover the realities of our evolving media landscape, the dangers faced by journalists, and the impactful work of CPJ in defending those who bear witness.
Key topics

• The rise in threats, harassment, and violence against journalists globally
• How changes in journalism impact trust and community engagement
• The importance of local news outlets in maintaining trust and democracy
• CPJ’s shift towards direct assistance, mitigation, and advocacy strategies
• The playbook used by authoritarian regimes to discredit and silence journalists
• The toll of journalism on mental health and the importance of support systems
• Leadership responsibility in fostering organizational well-being
• How non-journalists can support press freedom and advocate for information access
• The resilience of the message: why silencing journalists never silences the truth

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome and overview of press freedom challenges
 01:05 - The current dangerous climate for journalists worldwide
 02:19 - Misinformation, disinformation, and the role of journalists
 03:01 - Personal journey into journalism and motivation
 04:18 - Power of reporting to create change and impact policy
 05:16 - The role of local news and community trust building
 07:42 - Consequences of local news erosion and news deserts
 09:45 - The necessity of access to factual information for democracy
 11:05 - CPJ’s comprehensive approach: documentation, assistance, advocacy
 12:26 - Rising need for safety and trauma support for journalists
 13:18 - Addressing threats, violence, and impunity worldwide
 15:08 - The changing tactics in defending journalists and facing repression
 16:52 - Systemic impunity and the playbook of authoritarian repression
 18:55 - The danger of demonization and its escalation to violence
 20:53 - The importance of protecting marginalized journalists and diversity
 22:22 - Online harassment, self-censorship, and the impact on journalism
 23:44 - The toll of trauma, stress, and the importance of mental health support
 28:41 - Leadership roles in supporting staff and organizational resilience
 30:22 - Recognizing different stressors in journalism career paths
 33:42 - Self-care strategies for journalists and leaders in advocacy
 35:57 - The significance of purpose and belief in the work of press freedom advocates
 38:07 - Why protecting the right to factual information matters for all
 39:30 - How individuals outside journalism can support press freedom
 41:19 - The resilience of truth: why silencing messengers fails
Resources & Links

• Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)