How It Works

Reporters Shield is a membership program that defends investigative reporting around the world from legal threats meant to silence critical voices. The program is for print/online media outlets and NGOs that report in the public interest. Reporters Shield will identify qualified lawyers to respond to legal threats and lawsuits and pay for legal representation up to a pre-agreed limit.

The program will also help members to avoid lawsuits by providing training, resources, and pre-publication review in high risk circumstances.

Organizations can participate if they meet eligibility criteria and pay an annual fee based on several factors, including the location of the outlet and the number of stories published per year.

Members will get legal defense or assistance only for threats or lawsuits that are lodged in relation to stories published after they have joined.

Eligibility

Organizations should:

  • Be legally registered
  • Focus primarily on news, public interest, and/or investigative reporting
  • Publish reporting in print and/or online only
  • Have non-profit status or transparent ownership
  • Have editorial independence and adhere to professional editorial standards
  • Be independent from political, commercial, or other undue influence or interference
  • Have transparent, professional financial management
  • Distinguish clearly between opinion and news reporting

Apply here to become a member. Your application will be reviewed and you will be contacted for more information.

Covering cost of lawyers

Covering cost of lawyers

Providing training on how to handle legal complaints

Providing training on how to handle legal complaints

Offering pre-publication review in high risk cases

Offering pre-publication review in high risk cases