THE RORY PECK TRUST
Freelancers In MExico A Survey - Findings and Challenges Título de la sección
THE RORY PECK TRUST
The Rory Peck Trust exists to support freelance newsgatherers and their families worldwide in times of need, and to promote their welfare and safety.
2, Grosvenor Gardens London SW1W 0DH United Kingdom www.rorypecktrust.org CONTENTS InTRODUCTION CONTENTS introduction: The Rory Peck Trust 3
Who is a freelancer? 4
From the Director 5
Observe, analyse, act 6
From the Mexico Advisory Committee 10
A freedom fenced in 12
Freelancers in Mexico – a detailed picture 22 trust
peck The editor’s view Juan Angulo, el Sur newspaper 34 rory The British experience 36 THE RORY PECK TRUST conclusion: Sowing the seeds 40
Appendix The Work of the Trust 44 Freelance newsgatherers are an essen- lished UK and US broadcasters work with Safety Codes 46 tial part of an open, democratic society freelancers. and the international newsgathering in- dustry relies heavily on their contribution. Each year, the Trust organises its main The Rory Peck Trust, established in 1995, fundraising event, The Rory Peck Awards. Produced and Edited by: Nadine Jurrat, Darío Fritz y Víctor Hugo Hernández has an ongoing commitment to their wel- Sponsored by Sony, the Awards are the fare and safety. The Trust provides finan- only showcase in the world celebrating Design: Humberto Dijard Téllez cial support to freelancers working in news the work of freelance cameraman and and current affairs who have been seri- camerawomen in news and current affairs. Front cover: Blanca Hernández ously injured, imprisoned, persecuted or This annual event has become one of the are in exile as a result of their work and to most prestigious and moving events in the Photos: Elena Ayala, Alicia Huerta Cortéz, David Maung, Daniel Morel, Erick Muñiz, the families of freelancers who have been newsgathering industry. Juan Manuel Villaseñor, Native Voice Films and Fida Hamed killed. The Trust also promotes good prac- tice and subsidises training in hostile envi- The Trust enjoys the active involvement Translation: Adriana Díaz Enciso ronments for freelancers. and support of an international and influen- Printed by Impresora Campos, Calle 310 No. 26-3, tial committee of freelance newsgatherers, Col. Nueva Atzacoalco, Mexico 07420, D.F. The Trust has developed a unique body of journalist support organisations and broad- Published in 2008 by The Rory Peck Trust knowledge about freelancers and the is- casters including ABC News, AP Television 2, Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH, United Kingdom sues that they face and has always worked News, ARD, BBC, BSkyB, CBC, Channel 4, E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rorypecktrust.org to raise awareness of their invaluable con- CNN, NBC News, Reuters TV and ZDF.
No article or photograph may be reproduced from this publication without authorisation, tribution to freedom of expression and the and full credit must be given to The Rory Peck Trust. independent view. The Trust’s constant The Trust is totally independent and relies low level advocacy has successfully influ- on its income from sponsorship, donations This publication has been made possible with the support enced the way in which the main estab- and grants in order to fund its work. of the Open Society Institute InTRODUCTION InTRODUCTION
FROM THE DIRECTOR who is a FREELANCE newsgatherer
Tina Carr Director, The Rory Peck Trust For The Rory Peck Trust in its work in Latin America, the term ‘freelance’ is defined as:
» A journalist, photojournalist, radio reporter, The Rory Peck Trust has been helping freelance newsgatherers and their families for the last twelve years. cameraperson or photographer who is not employed We do this because we passionately believe that freelancers play a vital role in as staff member of a media organisation, and does the free flow of information. Bearing witness to events in remote – and often not have a permanent contract with entitlement to dangerous - regions, they are often the first to bring news of issues that can impact on people’s everyday lives at all levels, political, financial and personal. any benefits. e.g. sick pay, holidays, social security, For this, they can suffer intimidation and sometimes lose their lives. pension The Rory Peck Trust has always worked to raise awareness of the value of freelancers with media employers in Europe and America, with whom we have » He/she delivers the work (articles, reportages, an ongoing dialogue on issues of good practice and welfare. This has enabled us to influence the way that media employers treat their freelancers and has photos, films, investigations) at his/her own risk and also affected their policies and codes of conduct. expense, in an independent way, to one or several It feels entirely appropriate that our first programme dedicated to good practice media organisations, which will be published in should be in Mexico, a country where the dangers for all journalists, including exchange for an economic remuneration freelancers, have become so great.
We hope that this report – and the work that has begun – will have a positive » This professional does not have a formal or effect and begin the dialogue without which there can be no change. commercial relationship with any governmental office We thank the Open Society Institute for making this programme in Mexico or private company linked to his/her sources of possible, and all our colleagues and supporters in Mexico who have provided a warm welcome and allowed us to work with them so closely. information Finally, we would like to salute the courage of those freelancers in Mexico who, despite danger and intimidation, struggle to continue telling the truth.
They should know that they are not alone.b Título de la sección Título de la sección
OBSERVE
ANALIZE cortéz uerta h act alicia InTRODUCTION Título de la sección
Nadine Jurrat Assistant Director, The Rory Peck Trust cortéz hile staff re- ing killed, or concerned to get uerta
porters often injured while covering a dem- h
count on the onstration that turns violent. logistic and fi- alicia nancial back- Based on the findings of ex- Wup of their employers when tensive research into the sit- injured, killed or persecut- uation of freelancers in Latin The aims of our work are of 2007. This was mainly done ed, the great majority of free- America in 2005, and reflect- very simple but still a challenge through an online question- lancers have no one to turn to. ing its commitment to support in today’s Mexico: to identify naire and 19 focus groups and This is no different in Mexi- freelancers around the world, the freelance sector and high- we are grateful to all those who co, which is fast becoming one The Rory Peck Trust started its light their specific problems to participated. of the most dangerous coun- first Good Practice Programme in the media, NGOs and the gen- tries to be a journalist in the Mexico in January 2007 with eral public, and to advocate for The Trust’s presence in Mex- world at this time, where free- the support of the Open Society good practice with media, en- ico has already started a debate lancers are being intimidated, Institute. We found that a large suring that freelancers can re- about the increasingly danger- kidnapped or killed by illegal number of freelancers did not port in safety and security. For ous situation for freelancers. We groups and organised crime recognise themselves as free- this, we have worked with our are now hoping that the results – the so called poderes para- lancers, or realise the important Mexico Advisory Committee, of this research will provide a lelos - as a result of their work. role they have in emerging de- partner organisations CEPET, necessary resource for the Trust Often they not only have to mocracies, providing the gen- INSI and PRENDE and local- and others to work with local worry about their own safety, eral public with an independent ly based media, and with over media in ensuring that freelanc- but have to protect their fami- point of view. While the Trust 300 freelancers from 16 feder- ers in Mexico can report in free- lies from these threats as well. knew about individual cas- al states in the first nine months dom and safety. b While for a long time this was es of Mexican freelancers who a problem mainly faced by re- were threatened, kidnapped or porters working in the north- killed, there had not been any We are now hoping that the results of this ern border region, it has now statistics or detailed information research will provide a necessary resource for spread to almost every state in on how many freelancers there the Trust and others to work with local media in the country, with freelancers are in the country, what media ensuring that freelancers in Mexico can report in freedom no longer investigating narco- they work in and what prob- and safety”. related stories out of fear of be- lems they are facing. 10 InTRODUCTION InTRODUCTION 11
Letter from the Mexico journalists, exists to support tice Forum in June 2007. The Advisory Committee the Trust’s Good Practice Pro- Committee has played a very gramme in Mexico. Our col- important role in contributing lective experience has clearly to the goals set out by the Trust demonstrated to us the danger for the first phase of its activ- of being a journalist in Mexico ities in Mexico, and I would and is the main reason for sup- like to thank each member sin- porting the work of the Trust. cerely for the time and wisdom María Idalia Gómez, free- they have given over the past lance journalist and winner year. Susana Seijas of the Mexican National Prize Chair, Mexico Advisory Committee for Journalism 2006, says: “I The Committee is pleased joined the Committee due to with the accomplishments of the lack of awareness that ex- Good Practice Programme in ists among journalists, society the last year, especially with the
Mexico’s tenuous democracy is in dire need overing drug traf- tice Programme, clearly dem- of objective and critical journalism, but sadly ficking and organ- onstrates its seriousness about this country has been unable to provide an ised crime has be- the difficult circumstances environment where independent journalists can do their come a life-threat- faced by our colleagues in the job without fearing for their personal integrity or even ening endeavour country, whose simple aim their life”. Cin Mexico, and many reporters is to inform the general pub- Pedro Enrique Armendares, Committee member and editors now avoid these lic” says José Cohen, freelance topics. According to several producer and member of The press freedom organisations, Rory Peck Trust Mexico Advi- and institutions regarding the direction in which it is head- journalists in Mexico now face sory Committee. notion of freelance journalists ing. We will continue focusing more dangers than in any oth- and the impact their work can on achieving more involvement er nation except Iraq. More- “Mexico’s tenuous de- have”. from editors and media owners. over, journalism as a profession mocracy is in dire need of As we expand our network of has long lacked the public’s re- objective and critical jour- “Much of the best investiga- Mexican freelancers and enlarge spect, and news organisations nalism, but sadly this coun- tive work in the country is done the Committee itself, our aim is tend to fear new initiatives. try has been unable to pro- by freelancers,” says Pedro En- to change attitudes among me- vide an environment where rique Armendares. “I am hap- dia owners and directors, and to When the Trust started its independent journalists can py to support the Trust’s efforts reach more freelancers across Good Practice Programme in do their job without fearing to protect them and encourage Mexico. Mexico in January 2007, rais- for their personal integrity or their work.” ing its concerns about the sit- even their life,” says Pedro The challenges ahead are uation of freelance journal- Enrique Armendares, Execu- Members have held regular complex but surmountable. Ac- ists in the country, the level tive Director of the Centro de meetings, participated in the tive participation of the free- of violence against reporters Periodistas de Investigación monitoring and planning pro- lance community and media in Mexico had become even and committee member. cess of the Good Practice Pro- editors and owners will be es- more common. “The fact that The Advisory Commit- gramme and supported a va- sential in improving the pre- the Trust has chosen Mexico tee, which presently consists riety of the Trust’s activities in carious situation freelancers are to implement its Good Prac- of four Mexican freelance Mexico such as the Good Prac- facing. b 12 Título de la sección Título de la sección 13
a cortéz
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Threats, beatings, kidnappings, fjournalistsree gone missing, murder... dom In Mexico, freelancers working in different parts of the country live side by side with insecurity. The intimidation springs from the same sources: drug- traffickers, police and military forces.fenced in 14 MExico MExico 15
sa correspondent in Acapul- alerts have increased from 150 co, in the state of Guerrero. to 2,500 between 2005 and Even in December unknown 2007. assailants had murdered Ge- rardo Israel García, a reporter In variegated colours from the newspaper La Opin- The reality described by free- ión, in a hotel in Uruapan, lancers in Mexico differs ac- DarÍo Fritz Michoacán. cording to the zone, city or fed- journalist and programme coordinator The list of murders and of eral state. The presence and ‘the disappeared’ shows that force of organised crime is a since 2000, when the first constant factor that obstructs reelance journalist has its own web page. Agustin democratic government came freedom of expression, on top Rogelio Agustín tells told us about what had become to power, six newsgatherers of an already precarious finan- us his story, which is routine in this city in the sum- were murdered in direct re- cial situation and working con- that of many of his mer of 2007. According to re- prisal for their work, as well ditions for journalists. colleagues and inhab- ports from the mayor’s office, as another eleven in which In Mexico City, Guadalajara, Fitants of the city of Chilpancin- the local Archbishop and legis- the circumstances surround- Colima, Querétaro or Guanajua- go. He does so with a bewil- lators, the city was overrun by ing their death have not yet to it is possible to work without dered smile, not paying much delinquent gangs at night. The been established. According this constant threat from crimi- attention to the fact that it has police had lost control and the to reports from the Committee nal organisations. The most sig- become possible that everyday city’s 230,000 inhabitants had to Protect Journal- life gets shattered without being to remain in a virtual curfew in ists (CPJ) five report- Freelancers are no startled by it. their homes after 11pm. Jour- ers have disappeared strangers to such ‘At 11 pm we were stopped nalists were not exempt from since 2005. The Rory violence, which, as they at a checkpoint outside the city, this. Peck Trust’s research explain, places them all too often on our way to Acapulco, by a This is only one case among dating from 2000, in jeopardy when it comes to the group claiming to be policemen. many that demonstrates how shows that eight of Among them was a young man the prevalent violence in sev- these cases were free- task of providing information”. whom I had met a few weeks eral Mexican states and cit- lance journalists. Re- before, when he was arrested in ies subjects professional jour- porters without Borders, the nificant restrictions to journal- the street because of his links to nalists to threats, attacks and Inter American Press Associ- ism and the freedom to inform drug trafficking and I had tried even murder at the hands of ation, Article 19, CEPET and are concentrated in Michoacán, to interview him. Now it was criminal gangs. Freelancers CPJ have confirmed that vi- Nuevo León, Guerrero, Sinaloa, him who, with other men dis- are no strangers to such vio- olence against professional Tamaulipas, Baja California and guised as policemen, was de- lence, which, as they explain, newsgatherers has increased Sonora. taining motorists. At first he places them all too often in since 2000. The main objective for free- didn’t recognise me, so I made jeopardy when it comes to the The increased insecurity for lancers working in Mexico City him aware of who I was. Then task of providing information. journalists in Mexico, dem- or in Guadalajara is to have a con- he let us go. I didn’t ask him To inform is a leap in the dark onstrated by these figures, tinuous flow of work, and hence any questions, nor did I want to if precautions are not taken. makes it the riskiest country a permanent income, to count know. Who knows what they A piece of writing or an image for newsgathering profession- on legal support, if necessary, to were looking for, or who they may lead to a death certificate. als in the American continent. ensure that employers pay on wanted to find?’ In 2007 Mexico spiralled The number of alerts of attacks time, to have access to social se- Agustín, an independent deeper into this violence. against journalists is also illus- curity and/or to be paid royalties journalist in the capital of the From January onwards there trative: according to the Inter for their photographs. But else- state of Guerrero, is editor of the were various cases of miss- American Commission on Hu- where, and indeed in most of the magazine Interacción. The week- ing persons; the first murder man Rights’ Office of the Spe- country, the main concern on top ly journal is produced by a team came in April, with the killing cial Rapporteur for Freedom of these issues is security. of five freelance reporters and of Amado Ramírez, a Televi- of Expression (CIDH-OEA), Martín Esquihua, a free- 16 MExico MExico 17
lance journalist in Uruapan, Freelancers also report be- Michoacán, says: ‘Freedom of ing ill treated by security forces expression is being disgusting- when covering street demon- ly confiscated. We know of col- strations and security operations. leagues here who have been There have been accusations of kidnapped as a warning; others threats by army personnel, such have received death threats via as Journalists? We throw them telephone or email; some are in sacks’, by Humberto Castillo hunted down and terrorised Mercado, a reporter from More- by motorists dressed in black; lia, Michoacán. there are colleagues whose ev- In the face of such accusations, ery move is being watched. No the official response is more of- one, or hardly anyone in the ten than not just empty promises. media, for instance, dares to Their investigations into murders illaseñor v
name the criminal organisa- or threats rarely result in justice. uel
tion of psychopathic hired as- n Bárbara Obeso, freelance ma sassins identified by the last correspondent of interna- n ua
letter of the alphabet.’ j tional agencies in Sinaloa, Michoacán is one of the states the birthplace of drug traf- most affected by drug traffick- More than 20 journalists disap- Olvera Bravo, a freelance jour- ficking in Mexico, sums up ing. In spite of the current mil- peared in so-called levantones, nalist from La Piedad, was ex- the general atmosphere in itary presence to fight the drug or forced disappearances car- ecuted in front of his children different parts of the coun- cartels, which has been in place ried out by criminal organisa- on 9 March 2006. José Antonio try: ‘There are no guarantees since 2006, more than 335 mur- tions, to threaten and intimi- García Apac, editor of Ecos de la for our work; furthermore, ders were registered (25 of them date journalists into silence. Cuenca de Tepalcatepec, has been even if we denounce an at- were decapitations), as well as García Pimentel’s murder was missing since 20 November of tack, there is no action by multiple kidnappings in 2007. not the first one. Jaime Arturo the same year. the police or other officials.
Risk and Adventure Francisco Magaña vulnerable to harassment and re- was my experience for a year after an reporter in Atoyac de Álvarez, Guerrero pression. In my personal experience, interview with the Comando Justicie- due to the lack of professionalism of ro 28 de Junio in the Atoyac mountain the State’s information machinery, I range. y experience armed group also circulated a com- was summoned to the Republic At- Another difficulty is that the au- Min the state muniqué on the internet threatening torney General’s Office but I never thorities refuse to provide informa- of Guerrero has to execute reporters. received any written confirmation. I tion on public cases. This happened been enriching as a human being. By Our journalistic work implies risk appeared voluntarily, after a federal in the case of a shootout between practicing journalism in rural areas, and adventure. We have shared good police officer accused me of block- Atoyac’s municipal police and sever- we learn about people’s situation and and bad experiences. Visiting small ing traffic during a march, when all al people in the middle of the town; their demands. villages and communities by our own that I did was in line with my work as there were several witnesses, yet of- In Guerrero, practicing journalism means, we live and feel the lives of the a reporter. I never received a single ficially all knowledge of the event is a delicate matter. During the past people we interview. We experience apology for this mistake. was denied. few years we have seen cases such hunger and walk for miles in order to In Atoyac, an area with sever- In spite of all these obstacles, we as the murder of Televisa correspon- get the information for a piece of news al armed groups, interviewing their learn to negotiate every situation. Our dent Amado Ramírez in broad day- that is paid at a rate of 65 pesos (ap- members carries its own drawbacks, work is a means through which injus- light, as well as the death of other proximately US$ 6). as the authorities will then keep the re- tice can be revealed. b media workers. In 2007, an alleged As newsgatherers, we are very porter under close surveillance. That Radio and print reporter 18 MExico MExico 19
smuggling have been a perma- groups, religious organisations there have been calls by some international nent presence for decades. and social movements have at organisations for attacks against journalists to In this city, where the inde- times, shown intolerance to- be made federal crimes”. pendent weekly magazine Zeta wards freelance journalists, lost three of its journalists to at- photographers or cameramen. tacks from drug traffickers in In Tijuana, Xalapa (Vera- the past three years, and whose cruz), Puebla and Oaxaca, director survived an attempt pressure from city councils and Our complaints never go far. Vulnerability in on his life in 1997, professional political sectors has become That’s why so few threats are the provinces journalism is affected on several common. Freelance journal- being officially reported.’ ‘Colleagues from abroad, Mex- fronts. It is not uncommon for ists, as well as their editors and The failure of The Special ico City or elsewhere in the the judiciary to ask investigative managers are the victims of Prosecutor’s Office for the At- country come here and we help freelance journalists to testify in complaints and intimidation tention of Crimes against Jour- them to get information, to de- court as a means of intimidating aimed at imposing censorship. nalists, created by Vicente Fox’s nounce and to publish inves- them, since they have no legal In extreme cases this involves federal government in 2006, tigations. The problem is that protection. Another issue re- demands for the removal of a is evidence of that lack of re- when they leave, we are the garding their personal welfare is reporter who is in the way of a sponse. Since its creation it has ones facing threats and bully- that banks do not consider them politician’s interests. received more than 180 cases, ing, the ones who stay behind, eligible for mortgages because Freelance reporter Fredy but so far it has not succeeded and not the colleague who of the “vulnerability” of their Martín Pérez López, a Chiapas in solving any. As a result, there wrote or filmed and then left.’ profession. This phenomenon is correspondent for the news- have been calls by some inter- This candid description offered also experienced in the state of paper El Universal, and Jorge national organisations for at- by Lizbeth Díaz Arroyo match- Oaxaca. Becerra, from Diario Meridianos, tacks against journalists to be es that of many in Tijuana, Baja Threats do not only come were subject to such intimida- made federal crimes, so that ju- California, a city on the border from criminal organisations. tion in October 2007 when they dicial research and actions are with the United States where Civil servants and the po- were assaulted and intimidated centralised at a national level. organised crime and people lice, paramilitary and guerrilla by police from the Venustiano
The delights of freelancing Olga Rosario Avendaño If you are hired to work for a par- from PRENDE in Mexico City. Had I reporter in oaxaca ticular newspaper it means you have been employed by a local newspaper, to produce several pieces a day. In my situation would have been quite ow salaries al and international media, because 2006, when we covered the social different. The EFE Agency, with which Land restric- there are certain subjects in Oaxaca movement of the Popular Assem- I work, backed me in this. tions on the treat- – similar to other Mexican states– bly of the People of Oaxaca (APPO), Yet independent work has its ment of certain that are out of bounds for many lo- opposing the government of Ulises drawbacks, too. We have no medical subjects in the local press are two of the cal reporters. If you work for the lo- Ruiz, as freelancers we had the op- insurance or paid sick leave, there are main reasons why several journalists cal media, you can hardly question portunity to produce a number of no holidays and if we rest we have no in the state of Oaxaca, in the south of the state authorities regarding cor- articles and features, which proved income. Mexico, have chosen to become free- ruption or misuse of political power, difficult for those local colleagues, To be a freelancer is wonderful. I lancers. for example. who have to deliver up to five or six enjoy being in charge of my time so To work independently has ad- As a freelancer you also have the pieces a day. that I can work on issues I care about vantages and disadvantages. One chance to practice investigative jour- Another advantage of this way of and undertake projects such as the of the advantages is that you have nalism and other journalistic genres working is that you have more time for website ‘Olor a mi tierra’ (‘Scent of my more freedom to tackle certain sub- that have been forgotten due to the training. After being a freelancer for land’), which I founded with my col- jects, most of them concerning so- immediacy with which news is usually four years, at the beginning of 2007 I league Víctor Ruiz Arrazola.b cial issues, and to tender to nation- dealt with. had the opportunity to obtain a grant Agency and print journalist 20 MExico MExico 21
Carranza municipality and by that is considered a risk to their crime and printed her name at ment response to bring to jus- agents of the Federal Investiga- lives. the top of her investigative re- tice those who hamper the free tions Agency (AFI), after cover- ‘Here we don’t “do” infor- port ‘It was the magazine’s way flow of information, has left a ing a march led by indigenous mation on 80% of issues relat- of making me the only person bitter taste of self-censorship, people. ing to the police or organised responsible and avoiding any while having to search for ‘safe’ ‘A white van blocked our way crime’, Jaime Delgado, a free- reprisals against themselves’, topics to cover has led to leth- and several men got off, carrying lancer from Mexicali, Baja Cali- she says. argy amongst many profession- rifles and large-bore weapons, so fornia says candidly. ‘In the me- Often it is poverty that un- al newsgatherers. The murder we were afraid they would shoot’, dia, news on drug trafficking derlies the conflicts between in the state of Oaxaca of three said Martín Pérez to the Centre has been brought to a freeze.’ freelancers and their sources of El Imparcial del Istmo newspaper for Journalism and Public Eth- Freelancers, as well as their information, and this can lead to vendors led to the resignation of ics (CEPET). Among these people colleagues in the newsroom, violence and intimidation. Dalia many of its staff. The Commit- they recognised Comitán’s Coor- have now agreed with editors Villatoro, a freelance correspon- tee to Protect Journalists stat- dinator for Public Security, who and managers to no longer sign dent for the Chiapas newspa- ed in a recent report that in Mi- approached the reporters gun in certain reports in order to pro- per Cuarto Poder, in the Comitán choacán, a quarter of journal- hand, and the AFI’s chief officer tect their personal safety. ‘What municipality, was detained last ists abandoned their profession in Chiapas. good would a tomb be to us September and had her photo- over the past three years. Mistrust among colleagues, for covering some news’, says graphic equipment confiscated Despite the bleakness of this low wages, corruption and self- Manuel de la Cruz, a journalist by a group of poor farmers after scene, Martín Esquihuela shows censorship are pervasive. Free- working for print media and ra- covering a demonstration. They some optimism. ‘Even though lancers’ immediate response to dio in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. took her camera, which they re- you can tell that the systematic the diverse kinds of aggression Nevertheless, some editors are turned to her the following day, threats are no joke’, he says, ‘and they suffer, is self- censorship. still insensitive, as was the case for fear of reprisals from the au- somehow, within the vast hori- This is also a common factor with Díaz Arroyo in Tijuana, thorities if the photographs got zon of anonymity, they seem to among staff reporters. Its most where the journal she wrote for published. come from unambiguous sourc- radical manifestation is the re- broke the tacit agreement of not The scope for reprisals, com- es… you still feel the urge to go fusal to cover any information signing her notes on organised bined with the lack of govern- on asking questions.’b
Professional Commitment Sergio Haro defaced. A week later it was revealed rather than on any other kind of sup- reporter in Mexicali, Baja California that he was linked to the Sinaloa drug port. We must also bear in mind that
cartel, to the murder of half a doz- freelancers are increasingly em- e w s g a t h - took ten new cars from the premises en ministerial agents who had been ployed by newsgathering compa- Nering in the of Toyota in Tijuana. No one was ar- stealing drugs and to the corruption of nies that, in most cases, assume no northern border rested. civil servants, among them the State responsibility for their professional region of Mex- Towards the end of Novem- Attorney. Once again, there were no well being, let alone offer them pro- ico has become increasingly risky, ber, gunmen in Tijuana entered the arrests. tection or support. mainly because criminal groups op- house of the chairman of the Citi- Murder, the ‘disappeared’, aggres- Why should one work and take erate with impunity. These groups zens’ Council on Public Security sion and threats against journalists are risks in such circumstances? The an- now have more power than the au- (Consejo Ciudadano de Seguridad everyday fare on this border, where a swer is simple: Because there are thorities and they have damaged the Pública), who is one of the most crit- journalist’s work is a social as well as journalists with both a social and pro- police’s reputation. ical among civil voices. The intend- a professional commitment. fessional commitment who, in spite of In mid October 2007, an armed ed victim saved his own life by de- Working under deplorable con- the harsh working conditions, choose group of around 60 people burst into fending himself with a R15 rifle. ditions –low salaries, zero benefits, to take the risks and remain dedicated the offices of the coroner’s court in The cases are endless. In Mexi- no life insurance– the safety of jour- to their profession, despite the reper- Ensenada in order to steal a corpse. cali, a former ministerial police com- nalists depends more on their own cussions this entails.b The following week a similar group mander was murdered and his body means of protecting themselves Radio and print journalist 22 Título de la sección Título de la sección 23
Freelancers in g n mexico mau id v da a detailed picture 24 MExico Título de la sección 25
hen Phase 1 of that they could make a living The Rory Peck through journalism. Trust’s Good The survey’s results (see fig- Practice Pro- ure 3) show a rather substantial gramme, Mexi- factor: 32% consider being free- Wco was implemented in Febru- lance as the only possible way to ary 2007, its aim was to get to carry out their work as profes- know the freelancers working sional newsgatherers. in the country: to know who This explains why some free- and where they are, what prob- lancers in Mexico, when faced lems they face, how they work with financial pressures and and under which conditions. dangers, are constantly con- We had to start from scratch. sidering new horizons, such as An assessment was necessary looking for additional jobs out- cortéz in order to answer these and side their profession and even, other questions, and we have in the worse case scenario, stop- uerta h based our work on its results. ping their work for the media
We designed a survey that altogether. alicia gave us a preliminary view of Replies to this survey pre- freelancers in Mexico, some- sented some surprises. Almost a thing unprecedented in this third of all freelancers we inter- country. viewed were women. tablishing contacts with their army. He took exclusive pho- On the basis of 22 questions, sources and sometimes even tographs that he sold to the ed- the outline of the Mexican free- Work and more work pocketing up to 100 US dollars, itor of an Acapulco newspaper lancer started to take shape. Atoyac de Álvarez is little more if the visiting colleague is in- for the equivalent of 10 US dol- Through our website, focus than one hour away from Aca- sightful enough to offer finan- lars each. The editor paid him groups and individual meetings pulco, Mexico’s main tourist cial support. 100 US dollars usu- 200 US dollars – equivalent to in more than 15 cities we man- destination. This municipali- ally equals their monthly in- his monthly income – in total. aged to create a detailed picture ty, accustomed to extreme heat come for work in the area’s ra- He wondered why he was be- of the situation for freelancers throughout the year, is a gate- dio stations and newspapers. ing paid so much. in Mexico. way to the mountain range In the canteen of Three hundred journalists, known as the Sierra Madre, some barracks, once a One key question was photographers and camera- a complex geographical area military base and now why they chose to be men and women answered our where guerrilla groups usually accommodating sever- freelancers. 29% stated questions. go to recruit. The Mexican ar- al offices of the Atoyac that being freelance One key question was why my’s presence is constant, drug- de Álvarez municipali- meant that they can perform they chose to be freelancers. traffickers operate and poverty ty, Pablo Alonso told us their professional activities 29% stated that being freelance manifests itself in every single about his misfortunes independently”. meant that they can perform village in the area. It’s an ide- and those of many of their professional activities inde- al place for many foreign and his colleagues. pendently, with no constraints; Mexican journalists to practise During the last hurricane A few months later the edi- 19% are freelancers because investigative journalism and season, at his own expense tor told him, showing some re- they enjoy professional freedom look for stories. and risk, he went to an area morse, that he had sold his pho- they would not attain otherwise, For many professional free- where several settlements had tographs to an international and 13% chose this option prag- lancers in the area, this is a been engulfed by water and agency for 100 US dollars each. matically, because they believed chance of working as a fixer, es- were only being assisted by the ‘I got nothing from that transac- 26 MExico MExico 27
tion’, says Alonso. ‘I understood their total earnings, while an- then why he had been so gener- other 13% said it amounts to ous. Without leaving his desk or 70%. taking any risks he had made a Verónica González Cárdenas, fortune at my expense.’ who has been a journalist in the The meagre income freelanc- state of Colima for fifteen years, ers receive for their stories, pho- states: ‘I know that, as a journal- tographs or footage, which is far ist, I will never be able to have below the quality of their work, a pension or social security, this is a constant problem, particu- is why I have a job as a teach- larly for those who work in the er at the University of Colima. provinces. Although the wages are low, at When assessing average least if I get ill, I will have access earnings our findings reveal to public healthcare.’ that in 28% of cases, approxi- mate monthly incomes fluctu- Responsibilities ate between 300 and 500 US Why are wages so low that they dollars. But in places such as force freelance journalists, pho- Guerrero or Veracruz, the stan- tographers and cameramen and cortéz dard earnings are between 100 women to have more than one and 250 US dollars a month. occupation, to resort to jobs that uerta h Monthly income reaches compromise their work eth-
around 1,000 US dollars in cit- alicia ics or have nothing to do with ies like Mexico City and some their profession? Are they so others in the north of the coun- tional work related to their pro- Another option is to work badly paid because of the coun- 1.-Ustedtry, trabaja such como as Guadalajaraperiodista de: and fession,2.-¿Trabaja such para as medios obtaining de comunicación pub- 3.-Ustedoutside trabaja theircomo profession (fig- try’s 4.-¿Qué unstable tipo de economy? contrato tiene Is con it el mexicanos y/o extranjeros? freelance porque: medio en el que publica sus trabajos? 1% 1% Monterrey. licity deals from their sources ure 5). Common examples are the media’s responsibility?3% Are In Chiapas, Oaxaca or Guer- for media employers, for which working as college or second- freelancers themselves respon- 9% 6% 7% 4% 13% 6% rero, 14% a photograph or story of they receive a commission, or ary school teachers,32 %or manag- sible for 6% not finding the appro- the day is paid at around38% 6 US working in22% the press office of ing family businesses such as priate channels in which35% to 71% 19% dollars (equivalent to six litres a political party or an electoral grocery shops or eateries. Out of make their18% demands known? 17% 29% of milk). 21% candidate. the 48% who replied that they In several meetings28% in different In the face of such low in- Such situations may be at had additional income to that Mexican cities, freelancers con- come, thePeriódico immediateFotógrafo solution odds with professional ethics, Es fromindependiente newsgathering, laboralmente con 13% empr esassaid del sectorstantly ascribed their low earn- Sólo mexicanos Ambos Le da un enfoque periódico independiente De palabra Ningún tipo Escrito Revista Televisión for many has been to find addi- but they areSólo accepted.extranjeros No respondió Obtienethis mejorincomees per cepcionesamounts económicas to 10% of ings to Honorarios the cost reductionOtros poli- Radio Camarógrafo Es la única opción de trabajo Otro No respondió Más de una opción mappingresults
1.-Do you work: 1.-Do you work for Mexican 3.-What is your main reason for 4.-What type of contract do you have? or international media outlets? working as a freelancer? 1% 1% 3% 4% 9% 6% 6% 14% 13% 32% 6% 38% 22% 35% 71% 17% 19% 18% 21% 29% 28%
for a newspaper as a photographer Journalistic focus It is the only option Verbal agreement Fees Other Written for a magazine for a TV outlet Only Mexican Both Independence Other More than one option No answer for a radio outlet as a cameraman Only foreigners No reply Money None of the mentioned before 28 MExico MExico 29
The most prominent aspect of the debate defend their interests. They are couraging, and allows us to was that freelancers and the media should not alone in this. Staff report- hope that we will accomplish start by discussing their common ground, and ers also lack this kind of support our aims through perseverance then proceed to different kinds of agreements related and security, though in other and commitment. to efficiency and professionalism, training and social countries in the region journal- ist support organisations have Priorities benefits and safety”. become more established. According to 29% of participants The problems, shortages and in our survey, low income is con- needs of freelancers in Mexico sidered a problem that requires cies of their employers which fre- 8% said it was ‘excellent’. In are not being discussed or exam- immediate attention (figure 14). quently involve a total absence of contrast, only 4% described the ined collectively or at an organi- This if followed by: job stability, benefits, as well as ‘fierce com- way they are treated by their sational level. This limitation ex- training, resources (equipment, petitiveness’ which leads to low employers as “bad”. This reac- tends to the lack of dialogue with office space, technology) and, salaries. tion reflects how freelancers editors and media executives. lastly, freedom to work. In the case of some states perceive their role in relation The Good Practice Forum or- ‘My biggest concern is the (for instance, Baja Califor- to their employers as each of ganised by The Rory Peck Trust lack of a steady income that al- nia and Veracruz), the jour- them has different responsibili- in Mexico City in June 2007 lows me to know how much I nalist’s work is considered a ties and aims. highlighted the need to seek can rely on in order to meet my trade rather than a profession, such rapprochements and take basic obligations, such as regular which makes for a low basic Input and dialogue the first step towards forming bills I have to pay each month’, wage stipulated by law. In meetings such as those that basic agreements between edi- says Laura, a freelance photog- This open criticism towards took place in Mexico City, Mo- tors and freelancers. rapher in Mexico City. media employers which was relia, Tijuana, Mexicali and San The most prominent aspect Only 37% of the respondents mentioned in many of our con- Cristóbal de las Casas, freelancers of the debate was that freelanc- have a regular income. Claims versations with freelancers emphasized the need to be organ- ers and the media should start of delayed payment to freelanc- 5.-Si recibe salario fijo, especifique 6.-¿Cuáles son los temas que 7.-¿Ha participado en cursos de especialización 8.-¿Cuál es el trato que recibe del medio does not correspond to the an- ised rsoegularmente that they abor canda find en sus a trabajos?com- profesionalby discussing en los dos últimos their años common? ers foro los work medios already de comunicación agreed and con los que trabaja? swers given in our online ques- mon path leading to professional ground, and then 3% proceed to delivered confirm this.4% tionnaire. According to these improvements for all. The survey different kinds of agreements ‘Many 4% times we depend on 8% responses11% freelancers in Mex- shows that 86%14% do not belong to related to efficiency and profes- our good relationship8% with the ico have a favourable opin- any professional organisation34% or sionalism, training and social editor we work for, so that39% he 11% 57% 18% 45% ion about their employers as union. benefits and safety 52%(see Appen- or she puts22% pressure from with- 13% shown in figure 8: 39% consid- Freelancers do not34% have trade dix: Safety Codes). in on the administrative23% depart- er that they are ‘fairly’ treated; unions or associations to pro- The media executives’ re- ment’, says Héctor, a Mexico 23%Medio de answered comunicación the Ot treatmentros tect them or to whom they can sponse to the Programme City cameramanExcelente who prefersRegular to Política Social Sí No theyActividad receive educativa is ‘veryNo good’ respondió and turn as a last resort in order to throughout the country is en- remain anonymous.Muy bueno Malo Otros Policial No respondió Actividad ajena a los medios de comunicación Bueno No respondió
5.-From which activity? 6.-Topics covered: 7.-Have you had specialised training 8.-How would you describe courses in the last two years? the way employers treat you? 3% 4% 4%
11% 14% 8% 34% 18% 39% 11% 57% 45% 52% 22% 13% 34% 23%
Media outlet Other Politics Social Excelent Average Yes No Educational activity No answer Very good Poor Others Crime No answer Activity other than the media Good No answer 30 MExico Título de la sección 31
A significant percentage – accreditation from the Presi- 28%– stated that working rela- dent’s Office. A strong network tionships with print media, radio of personal contacts is usually or TV stations are determined the best tool to have access to by verbal agreements (figure 4). restricted zones. Only 6% stated that they had written contracts with their em- Training and insurance ployer. Most charge a gross fee Freelancers believe that there per piece of work, from which are two main aspects to their they have to deduct income tax. work as professional newsgath- This reduces their net income erers, which are also part of the by a significant amount. mission of The Rory Peck Trust. Access to sources of informa- Firstly, training in order to de- tion is of paramount importance velop their professional exper- in freelancers’ work. Journalists tise. Secondly, access to afford- often have to overcome obsta- able life and medical insurance, cles when trying to obtain infor- which they must obtain at their mation, but these are multiplied own expense, as they are not for freelancers due to a lack of staff employees. accreditation, which prevents More than half of those who them from gaining access to an took part in the survey – 52% – area, event or interview they said they have not taken part in want to cover. any further training/refresher The fact that freelancers do course during the past two years not receive press accredita- (figure 7), and 64% have no life 9.-¿Quétion tipofrom de amenaza?their media employ- or medical10.-La amenazainsurance la ha (figure recibido 12). de: ers nor from government2% bod- Requests for training differ ies or unions7% was brought up in according to the9% area, but ‘any our focus10% groups time and time training is 11%welcome’, says Lau- 40% 33% again.10% ra Cuevas, a freelancer from Their situation is worse than Veracruz 18% specialised in cover- 31% that of a foreign correspon- ing political news.29% ‘Here’, she dent, who, as Univisión’s Mexi- says, referring to the city of Xa- Tcoelefónica BureauLevantón Chief Porfirio(Secuestro) Patiño lapa, whereAgentes del she gobier works,no Particular ‘the es OralJuárez pointsDenuncia out, penal receives o civil en press su contra state’s Policías/Militar governmentes offersOt ro difs - Golpes Citatorio para declarar Narcotráfico
9.-What type? 10.-The threats received are from : 2% 7% 9% 10% 11% 40% 33% 10% 18% 31% 29%
Phone call Express kidnapping Government General public Verbal Criminal charges Police/Military Others dez
Physical assault Summoned Drug cartels n á n er h
ca n bla 32 MExico MExico 33
ferent kinds of training courses, the government, police and the tions are trusted also (19%, in- drug-traffickers. This phenome- though I do not think it is right military, and in only 9% of cases cluding both national and inter- non was also observed in plac- that the government, which we they lay responsibility on drug- national organisations). es such as Saltillo, Acapulco or report on, offers that service, let traffickers (Figure 10). It is also noteworthy that a Morelia, and is persistent. alone for free.’ It should also be noted that large percentage (34%) prefer In spite of the high levels of Among the freelancers’ ex- they attribute 29% of threats not to denounce these attacks risk involved in the practice of pressed demands are basic jour- to the general public. While at all (figure 11). This reveals professional newsgathering in nalist courses, training in new this is a vast issue, and in sever- a mistrust in public authori- several states in Mexico, free- technologies, first aid and cov- al cases those freelancers ques- ties that in turn engenders im- lancers do not identify violence ering high-risk stories (crime tioned mentioned threats from punity, since justice cannot be as one of the main problems and natural disasters). sectors or individuals linked to administered without a formal they face in their profession. companies and religious or so- complaint. Low income, deficient equip- Impunity cial movements, it also suggests According to conversations ment, inaccessible sources and During the first phase of the a certain degree of animosity to- with freelancers in different corruption are the four main is- Good Practice Programme, we wards newsgatherers from the states, threats, attacks, murders sues they have specified as ma- have witnessed an increase of general public. and the ‘disappearance’ of jour- jor obstacles to their work. violence affecting all journalists ‘We often end up paying for nalists, photographers and cam- In the face of the adversities and therefore freedom of ex- the sensationalism with which era crews have led to an air of revealed by this survey, free- pression in general. some colleagues and the me- mistrust among peers. lancer Verónica Gonzalez add- Our survey registers that dia itself handle information’, In May 2007, after TV Az- ed a note of optimism: ‘You al- half of the colleagues we inter- says photographer Juan Man- teca journalist Gamaliel López most have to pay in order to viewed have received some kind uel Villaseñor, a specialist in Landanosa and cameraman Ge- be an independent journalist, of threat; 40% of the threats crime news coverage. ‘Many rardo Paredes Pérez went miss- but in spite of all this I carry on were verbal (figure 9). times people see us in the street ing in Monterrey, Nuevo León – in my profession because I be- Whereas the statistics of free- and treat us badly, because they a case that remains unsolved–, lieve in what I do, and if the 11.-Ha denunciado la amenaza ante: 12.-¿Cuenta con algún tipo de seguro? 13.-Si tiene algún tipo de seguro, 14.-Para desarrollar su trabajo dom of expression and human think we are all the same. Even ¿se lonobody paga Ud.? agreed to attend our foactualmente,- publication ¿qué identifica of a few como lines helps sus principales necesidades? rights organisations point to or- more so4% when they are3% defend- cus group and sit at the same ta- others to improve their situa- ganised crime5% as the main re- ing a relative or friend involved ble with their colleagues for fear tion, that is rewarding enough 11% 5% 20% 13% sponsible for attacks, intimi- in the 7% story we are covering. that they might be informers for for me.’ b 29% dation,14% threats and36 murder% of They have no respect for us.’ 17% 65% journalists, we have noticed Freelancers16% trust their em- 80% 34% Low income, deficient equipme19%nt, in22%accessible that freelancers lay responsibil- ployers (36%) more than the ju- sources and corruption are the four main ity on other agents. diciary (11%) when reporting issues FREELANCERS haMejorvees s ingrpeciesosfied as Mejormajor infraestructura Poder TheyJudicial considerMedio con thatque trabaja 51% Ninguno of any threatsVida or attacksNinguno they de los re dos- Estabilidad laboral (oficina,computadora, Organismo de Derechos Humanos Internacional Médico Otro obstacles to their work”. threats come from members of ceive. Human rights organisa- Si No Libertad para trabajar equipo de trabajo, etc). Organismo de Derechos Humanos Nacional Ambos No respondió Capacitación profesional
11.-Denounced to: 12.-What kind of insurance do you have? 13.-Do you pay for your own insurance? 14.-What are your main needs in order to carry out your work? 4% 3% 5% 20% 13% 7% 29% 17% 14% 36% 16% 65% 80% 19% 22% 34%
Judiciary Employer Life insurance None of the mentioned Better income Professional training ODHI No one Medical insurance Other Yes No Work stability Better resources (oficce, ODHN Both Blanks Freedom to work equipment) 34 MExico MExico 35
A local experience ways on top of local events. The disadvantages are that they are not always available to pro- vide a specific detail we require, cover a particular story that we need, or go into depth. A quite different experience of a freelance photographer, who made his name through his Juan Angulo Osorio work with El Sur and had estab- General director of the El Sur newspaper in Guerrero lished his main contacts through us, preferred selling his best pic- tures to newspapers in Mexico City instead, even though we t is common practice for common journalistic code; they would have paid him the same local Mexican newspapers would stick to the newspaper’s fee. to accept freelance work or editorial criteria and ethos. They After this experience we commission freelancers for would be at the media’s disposal tried to set some rules in order specific jobs. This is partly and would only focus on our as- to avoid this kind of disloyal- Ibecause local newspapers do signments. ty based on media hierarchies, not have a great amount of fi- Under such conditions, the emphasizing the fact that a lo- nancial resources and also be- newspaper would only use free- cal newspaper is as important as cause they do not want to pay lancers in exceptional cases, a national one, keeping a con- social security contributions or it could create a network of stant flow of communication and avoid having to comply stringers in different parts of the with our contributors and striv- with labour obligations. state, so that they would be able ing to pay a decent amount for In the state of Guerrero there to send us prompt information their work. is not one single media organisa- about relevant events in ad- I would like to end by men- tion that hires independent re- vance. tioning the deep effect the Fo- porters or photographers solely But since our company’s fi- rum organised by The Rory because they consider they need nancial conditions do not al- Peck Trust in Mexico City in their good professional services. low us to reach that ideal, we June 2007 had on me. One of Nor are there that many free- hire reporters or photogra- the Trust’s goals is to ensure lancers offering to work for the phers in some cities in Guerre- that freelancers around the media. ro who work for other media world can receive safety train- Ideally El Sur would want for as well. ing so that they can obtain and all those who regularly collabo- Our experience of work- broadcast information even in rate with the newspaper to be ing this way has been general- the most difficult conditions. fully integrated as staff, with the ly fruitful, with one or two dis- Knowing that the Trust under- corresponding rights and obli- agreeable incidents. The advan- stands this mission as a way to cortéz
gations. tages are that we rely on col- safeguard society’s right to be This situation would have leagues who, because of the informed gave me reasons to uerta h the advantage of photographers above-mentioned conditions, be optimistic about our profes-
and reporters working under a have great mobility and are al- sion’s future. b alicia MOREL
IEL N DA freelancers iN the United kingdom 38 GREAT BRITAIN Título de la sección 39
Phil cox freelancer video journalist and producer
orking condi- Change has come in the UK tions for free- and Europe as a result of many lancers in the high profile deaths and the emer- ilms
UK have been gence of strong lobby groups f changing rap- who are not afraid of tackling oice v
e Widly over the last ten years. As - publicly or privately - the big v ati
a freelancer myself, complete broadcasters such as BBC, CNN, n with bicycle and a black book Channel 4 and ARD. Organisa- containing the details of every tions such as The Rory Peck Trust TV news editor in London, I can and INSI are places that freelanc- say that UK freelancers today, in ers can turn to, confide in, seek to the story, quite happily direct- here don’t want a headache of relation to our colleagues in the advice and if needed, get support ing them down the wrong street, a freelancer getting kidnapped developing world, have it very in advocating for best practice. It I will fight tooth and nail for or killed if they can help it. For good. I think as freelancers we is not a paradise, abuse of free- them if they are in serious trou- a story in a hostile environ- judge ‘good working relation- lancers of course still continues ble. We help each other in the ment - I will usually expect to ships’ mainly on the size of the here, but there is a great aware- UK and their is a genuine sense fill out 10 - 20 pages of forms pay packet and also insurance. ness and at least lip service to re- of concern. showing my understanding of When I pitch an 8 minute story specting us. I think one of the the dangers, my evacuation idea that is say in Afghanistan, problems we face as a freelance If I don’t get a commission, plans, my local knowledge and or East Africa, I should expect a community is our own individ- I will often be talking to vari- the A - Z of emergency plans. budget that will cover enough ualist nature - ‘working alone’ ous broadcasters at the same This is time consuming but for me to travel safely, do all my and finding the story - alone. time, looking for the best deal. VERY good. It forces me to pre- research, production costs and When we can stand as a group in This is a common practice here pare properly for what disaster edit facilities, and of course, my solidarity - we are a much stron- - but still the final price never might happen - and also makes salary. Insurance should be paid ger organisation - and although usually matches a commission the broadcaster feel they have separately by the broadcaster. I will fight to beat my colleagues fee. With a commission will au- ticked their insurance boxes. tomatically come the issue of People do complain, that the insurance - which can be pricy. freelance spirit has been lost - Change has come in the UK and Europe as Also the major broadcasters are but I would prefer that broad- a result of many high profile deaths and the all legally bound to make sure casters are stricter with less emergence of strong lobby groups who are you have adequate safety train- commissioning than not caring not afraid of tackling the big broadcasters”. ing for the story. Broadcasters about our safety.b 40 Título de la sección conclusiOn 41
sowing the seeds
reelancers in Mex- »Male (72%) ico share common »37 years old (average age) problems with many »Without a regular income (60%) foto »Works as a freelancer because it is of their counterparts around the world: the only option available (32%) Finsecure work, no access to life/ »Works for two or more media out- lets (86%) medical/equipment insurance »Works for a newspaper or maga- and low income. They are at zine (59%) risk of violence and abuse from »Works for national as opposed to criminals, security forces and local media (71%) individuals or organisations »Has a monthly income between that are affected by the infor- $300 and $500 US dollars mation they publish. »Has no access to medical, life or Working with local organi- equipment insurance (65%) sations, freelancers and the me- »Has received some form of threat dia, The Rory Peck Trust creat- (50%) ed a map of the freelance sector in Mexico, the first of its kind. The key findings of our A survey with 22 questions an- mapping activity can be sum- swered by 300 freelancers via marised as follows: an online questionnaire and »Most freelance journalists obtain through focus groups in 15 dif- work through informal arrange- ferent cities in 2007 brings us ments and networking closer to a world that remained »Most endure precarious working unknown before the publica- conditions and receive hardly any tion of this document. It reveals support from media employers the general profile of a free- »There is little mutual support lancer in Mexico: among freelance newsgatherers g n mau id v da 42 conclusiOn Título de la sección 43
and no collective organisation to a priority to provide courses defend their rights taught by professional trainers »There is a need for safety training who can address the particu- courses lar dangers Mexican freelanc- »There is a failure to comply with ers face. copyright law, which affects par- Access to insurance is not ticularly freelance photographers only providing support to free- »There is a lack of respect for journalists from the general public lancers themselves but to their families, who are also affect- ed by the dangers newsgath- Although these answers are erers confront. Given the fact based on the responses of a rel- that newsgathering in Mexico atively small number of free- is now considered a high risk lancers, they offer a clear out- profession by many insurance line of the sector as a whole in companies not only endangers Mexico. They indicate that ac- freelancers but their journalistic tion is required to improve this work as a whole. Further work situation to ensure that free- needs to be done with insurance lancers continue to provide providers and regulators to try an independent point of view, and find an affordable solution which is essential in Mexico’s for freelancers. emerging democracy. Freelancers depend on the There are pressing needs media to inform the public. Appendix that freelancers themselves We believe that a better under- have to address, and which standing between freelancers can be supported by interna- and the media will contribute to tional NGOs such as The Rory a better-informed society, with Peck Trust. Among the pre- a deeper concern for freedom of carious situation that many expression. Our relations with freelancers face, the Trust has both freelancers and the media identified three main needs: has raised awareness about the the provision of safety training need for more regular debate for freelancers, access to life, and discussion, which is the first medical and equipment insur- step towards providing concrete ance, and improving the dia- agreements to ensure that free- logue between freelancers and lancers can work in safety and editors they work for. freedom. Freelancers face serious dif- During the ten months that ficulties when working in hos- this project has been operating tile environments and have to in Mexico, the seeds have been take preventative measures for sown to help freelancers attain their personal safety. It is also a high level of professionalism important to receive the nec- in their work, so that they can essary training which prepares contribute to a well-informed newsgatherers to work in this democratic society. There’s still situation, and it is therefore a long way to go. b 44 appendix appendix 45
THE WORK OF THE TRUST
The Rory Peck Training Fund Newsgatherers, especially war reporters, are seas. Freelancers learn skills that raise their often faced with challenging and unpredict- awareness of potentially dangerous situations, able situations. Through The Rory Peck Train- and how to react in a crisis and help their col- ing Fund, the Trust is able to provide bursaries leagues when needed. to enable freelance media workers, who could The Training Fund is supported by contri- not otherwise afford it, to cover the costs of butions from private donations and the me- specialist safety training courses. The Training dia such as: AP Television News, CNN, BBC is given by approved course providers, all of News, Channel 4 Television, The Guardian, whom run courses both in the UK and Over- and NBC News. trust amed peck h ida rory f
The Rory Peck Awards The Awards, sponsored by Sony, is an interna- originality and depth of approach; the Impact tional competition, which celebrates the work Award given by Sony honours footage provid- The Beneficiaries Programme of freelance cameramen and camerawomen ing humanitarian imagery which has had an At the heart of the Trust’s work, this spe- ual beneficiary. We work closely with fami- in TV newsgathering and current affairs world- impact internationally and contributed to a cialised assistance programme distributes lies and local contacts to identify the most wide. It provides an opportunity for freelanc- change in perception or policy; and the Martin charitable grants to freelance newsgath- beneficial areas for support and make our ers worldwide to showcase their work and re- Adler Prize, which honours a freelancer who erers and the families of those who have money to go far as possible. Where we flect what is happening in their countries, while has told, or played a vital part in telling a sig- been killed, injured or are suffering perse- are unable to help, we try to refer cases to continuing to prove to the international news- nificant news story. cution as a result of their work. We sup- our network of partner organisations. This gathering community that freelancers matter. The annual Awards Ceremony is a presti- port freelancers in regions of conflict and kind of help is unique, and really quite sim- There are four Awards: the Rory Peck Award gious event and the main fundraiser event for civil disorder, while also responding to a ple. We help freelancers and their families for Hard News, honours freelance coverage The Rory Peck Trust which honours their skill growing number of cases where they are to survive and move forward. of an event where the focus is on the imme- and initiative and, above all, their courage. It is forced into hiding or exile. The programme is supported by pri- diacy of the action; the Rory Peck Award for attended by senior broadcasters, freelancers, Our grants are made according to the vate donations and grants from trusts and Features, honouring a major contribution to a bureau chiefs, commissioning editors, diplo- needs and circumstances of each individ- foundations. news feature or documentary demonstrating mats and journalists. 46 appendix appendix 47
CHARTER FOR SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS WORKING IN WAR ZONES AND DANGEROUS AREAS Reporters without Borders
Principle 1 – Commitment Principle 6 – Insurance
The media, public authorities and journalists themselves shall systematically seek Journalists and their assistants working in war zones or dangerous areas should ways to assess and reduce the risks in war zones or dangerous areas by consulting have insurance to cover illness, repatriation, disability and loss of life. Media man- each other and exchanging all useful information. Risks to be taken by staff or free- agement should take all necessary steps to provide this before sending or employ- lance journalists, their assistants, local employees and support personnel require ing personnel on dangerous assignments. They should strictly comply with all appli- adequate preparation, information, insurance and equipment. cable professional conventions and agreements.
Principle 2 – Free will Principle 7 – Physiological counseling
Covering wars involves an acceptance by media workers of the risks attached and Media management should ensure that journalists and their assistants who so de- also a personal commitment which means they go on a strictly voluntary basis. Be- sire have access to psychological counseling after returning from dangerous areas cause of the risks, they should have the right to refuse such assignments without or reporting on shocking events. explanation and without their being any finding unprofessional conduct. In the field, the assignment can be terminated at the request of the reporter or the editors after Principle 8 – Legal protection each side has consulted the other and taken into account their mutual responsibili- ties. Editors should beware of exerting any kind of pressure on special correspon- Journalists on dangerous assignments are considered civilians under Article 79 dents to take additional risks. of Additional Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions, provided they do not do any- thing or behave in any way that might compromise this status, such as directly Principle 3 – Experience helping a war, bearing arms or spying. Any deliberate attack on a Journalist that causes death or serious physical injury is a major breach of this Protocol and War reporting requires special skills and experience, so editors should choose staff deemed a war crime. or freelances who are mature and used to crisis situations. Journalists covering a war for the first time should not be sent there alone, but be accompanied by a more experienced reporter. Teamwork in the field should be encouraged. Editors should systematically debrief staff when they return so as to learn from their experiences. Reporters without Borders March 2002 Principle 4 – Preparation www.rsf.fr
Regular training in how to cope in war zones or dangerous areas will help reduce the risk to journalists. Editors should inform staff and freelances of any special training offered by nationally or internationally qualified bodies and give them access to it.A ll journalists called upon to work in a hostile environment should have first-aid training. Every accredited journalism school should familiarise its students with these issues.
Principle 5 – Equipment
Editors should provide special correspondents working in dangerous areas with reli- able safety equipment (bullet-proof jackets, helmets and, if possible, armoured vehi- cles), communication equipment (locator beacons) and survival and first-aid kits. 48 appendix 49
THE INSI SAFETY CODE for their support WE THANK:
Media: Oliver Ellrodt (reuters) The International News Safety Institute is dedicated to the right of all journalists to exercise their Balbina Flores Martínez (rsf) profession free from persecution, physical attack and other dangers to life and limb. While recog- AP, AP Television News, BBC, Cactus Produc- Fedrico Gama ciones, CNN en español, El Noroeste, El Sur, Maria Idalia Gómez (sip) nising that some conditions under which journalists and media staff work never can be completely Excélsior, La Jornada, Reuters, Río Doce, Sheila Gruner (ifex) safe and secure, INSI will strive for the elimination of unnecessary risk, in peace and in war. It will Televisa, Zeta Maribel Gutiérrez (el sur) draw on the expertise of its members and supporting organisations to lobby on behalf of working Alicia Guzmán journalists everywhere who embrace the INSI Code of Practice and confront physical or psycho- Non-Govermental Organisations: Lorenzo Hagerman Sergio Haro (zeta) logical barriers to the free and independent gathering and dissemination of news. Article 19; Centro Nacional de Comunicación Juan Fernando Healy L. (el imparcial) Social (CENCOS); Centro de Periodismo y Ética Pablo Hiriart (excélsior) Publica (CEPET); Comité para la Protección de Gabriel Ibarra (AME/Ocho Columnas) Periodistas (CPJ); Open Society Institute (OSI); Héctor Hugo Jiménez (hora cero) Fundación Prensa y Democracia México, A.C. Leonardo Kourchenko (televisa) (PRENDE); Reporteros sin Fronteras (RSF); Carlos Lauría (cpj) The preservation of life and safety is par- guards appropriate to the threat to all staff and Sociedad Interamericana de Prensa (SIP/IAPA). Darío López-Mills (ap) 1amount. Staff and freelances equally freelances assigned to hazardous locations. Nicté Madrigal should be made aware that unwarranted risks Individuals: Francisco Magaña in pursuit of a story are unacceptable and All journalists should be afforded personal Joan Marcet (tv española) Eloy Aguilar (ap) Alejandro Martínez strongly discouraged. News organisations insurance while working in hostile areas, in- 6 Ernesto Álvarez Ponce David Maung (ap) are urged to consider safety first, before com- cluding cover against personal injury and death. Juan Angulo Osorio (sur) Brisa Maya Solis (cencos) petitive advantage. There should be no discrimination between staff Ana Arana (knight foundation fellow) Pedro Mayer and freelances. José Luis Arevalo (televisa) Humberto Melgoza (contraseña) Pedro Armendares Leslie Mellado May (la jornada oriente) Assignments to war and other danger Olga Avendaño Mauricio Montaldo (sip) 2zones must be voluntary and only involve Employers should provide free access to Elena Ayala (the news) Jorge Morales (frontera) experienced news gatherers and those under 7 confidential counselling for journalists- in Eliza Barclay Jacinto Munguía (prende) their direct supervision. No career should suffer volved in coverage of distressing events. They José Alfredo Beltrán (el noroeste) Amador Narcia Estrada (televisa) Pascal Beltran del Río (excélsior) Adela Navarro (zeta) as a result of refusing a dangerous assignment. should train managers in recognition of post César René Blanco Villalón (zeta) Barbara Obeso Editors at base or journalists in the field may de- traumatic stress, and provide families of journal- Ismael Bojórquez (río doce) Guillermo Osorno (gatopardo) cide to terminate a dangerous assignment after ists in danger areas with timely advice on the Débora Bonillo Alejandro Páez (día siete) José Buendía (prende) Porfirio Patiño Juárez (univision) proper consultation with one another. safety of their loved-ones. Aleida Callejas (amarc) Darío Ramírez (article 19) Salvador Camarena (centro) Leonarda Reyes (cepet) All journalists and media staff must receive Journalists are neutral observers. No mem- Mónica Campbell (cpj) Guadalupe Rincón 3appropriate hostile environment and risk 8ber of the media should carry a firearm in Obed Campos Ethel Riquelme (pgr-feadp) Gerardo Carrillo (reuters) Roberto Rock (el universal) awareness training before being assigned to a the course of their work. Manuel Carrillo (ap) Ignacio Rodríguez Reyna (emeequis) danger zone. Employers are urged to make this Javier Carrillo Mónica Rueda (ap) mandatory. Governments and all military and security Armando Castilla Galindo (la vanguardia) Laura Salas (amarc) 9forces are urged to respect the safety of Jesusa Cervantes (proceso) Ana María Salazar Roberto Cienfuegos María Salazar Ferro (cpj) Employers should ensure before assign- journalists in their areas of operation, whether or Juan Francisco Cobos Cardona (televisa) Irene Sanchez 4ment that journalists are fully up to date not accompanying their own forces. They must José Cohen Laura Saravia on the political, physical and social conditions not restrict unnecessarily freedom of movement Alfredo Corchado (the dallas morning) Susana Seijas prevailing where they are due to work and are or compromise the right of the news media to José De Cordoba (the wall street journal) Raúl Trejo Delarbre (unam) Phil Cox Ricardo Trotti (sip) aware of international rules of armed conflict as gather and disseminate information. Ariel Crespo (cnn en español) Javier Trujillo set out in the Geneva Conventions and other Francisco Cuamea (el noroeste) Gustavo Valcarcel (ap television news) key documents of humanitarian law. Security forces must never harass, in- Mireya Cuellar (la jornada) Julián Vázquez (premio nac. de periodismo) 10timidate or physically attack journalists Laura Cuevas Miriam Vidriales Darío Dávila Fernando Villa del Angel (el universal) Employers must provide efficient safety going about their lawful business. Manuel de la Cruz (ap) Rogelio Villarreal (revista replicante) 5 equipment and medical and health safe- INSI 2008, www.newssafety.com José de la Luz Lozano (multimedios) Andrew Winning (reuters) Rodolfo Delpercio Alejandra Xanic (expansión) Rodolfo Díaz Fonseca (el noroeste) and all the freelancers Humberto Dijard Téllez who have shared their Marco Antonio Duarte (el universal) experience with us 50 51
THE RORY PECK TRUST
Patron The Most Hon. The Marquess of Salisbury, PC, DL John Owen Chairman Bob Jobbins, OBE Sorious Samura Susana Seijas Board of Trustees Linda Sills Denise Harker Non-Executive Director John Simpson, CBE Michael Jermey Editor, ITV Regional News Rick Thompson Peter Jouvenal Freelance Cameraman Eithne Treanor Raj Parker Partner, Freshfields BruckhausD eringer Hedley Trigge Colin Peck Freelance Cameraman Cetty Zambrano Nicholas Scott Chartered Accountant ABC News Tira Shubart Freelance Producer and Writer Al Jazeera Network Janice Vernon-Smith Consultant, Not-for-ProfitS ector Al Jazeera English Sarah Ward-Lilley Managing Editor, BBC Newsgathering ARD Adrian Wells Head of Foreign News, Sky News AP Television News David Williams Non-Executive Director BBC News Broadcast Staff Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Director Tina Carr CBS News Assistant Director Nadine Jurrat Channel 4 Administrative Officer Angela Sharpe CNN Awards and Communications Officer Lucy Popescu Committee to Protect Journalists Beneficiaries Programme Officer Elisabet Cantenys Commonwealth Broadcasting Association Mexico Programme Officer Víctor Hugo Hernández Native Voice Films Fuji San Kei Communications Advisory Committee GlobeCast Kate Adie ITN/ Channel 4 News Rachel Attwell Journeyman Pictures Peter Barron NBC News Keith Bowers Netforce Chris Cramer RAI Sean Curtis-Ward Reporters Sans Frontieres Sandy Gall, CBE Reuters TV Nik Gowing RTE Ken Guest STV Swedish Television Elizabeth Jones Westdeutscher Rundfunk Jane Kokan ZDF Kirsty Lang David Lloyd Mexico Coordinator Darío Frítz Sue Lloyd Roberts, CBE Kate Losowsky Mexico Advisory Committee Robin Lustig Susana Seijas (Chair) Freelance Journalist Sarah Maguire Pedro Enrique Armendares Journalist Sheena McDonald José Cohen Freelance Producer Sara Nason María Idalia Gómez Freelance Journalist 52
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WHEN COMPLETED PLEASE CUT OUT THIS PAGE AND POST IT BACK TO: The Rory Peck Trust 2 Grosvenor Gardens London SW1W 0DH United Kingdom or email [email protected] The Good Practice Programme, Mexico
Even though Mexico is a country which is internationally not known to be at war, it has now become one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a journalist, and especially a freelancer. Since the Trust first visited Mexi- co in the 2005, 18 newsgatherers have been killed and five have disappeared, four newspaper offices were the tar- gets of bomb attacks and many, many more newsgather- ers were injured and threatened. However, a great number of editors may not be aware of the dangers their freelance reporters in the field are facing, and the necessary training or insurance schemes are not easily accessible.
In 2007, with the support of the Open Society Institute, The Rory Peck Trust carried out the first ever investiga- tion into the situation of freelancers in this dangerous cli- mate. Through focus groups and an online questionnaire, the Trust reached more than 300 freelancers in 16 out of 32 federal states and this report presents the findings.