Insurance for Journalists

[vikas]

According to the IPI the last decade has been particularly deadly for journalists with a 61% increase in fatalities compared to the previous decade

· ‘Insurance for Journalists’ has been developed by journalists for journalists and will provide a unique service for journalists, freelancers, fixers and other news professionals without restrictions.

In an industry sector traditionally difficult to insure, the IPI has begun working with ‘Insurance for Journalists’ to allow its members working on assignments anywhere in the world to obtain insurance coverage that meets their needs. The IPI champions press freedom and represents leading digital, print and broadcast news outlets in more than 120 countries. ‘Insurance for Journalists’ is the only international insurer specialising solely in insuring journalists without restrictions, following journalists wherever their next assignment may take them, whether they are covering a film premiere or in the front line in a war zone.

According to IPI’s research, the last 10 years have been particularly deadly for journalists, with 1,025 having died in direct connection with their work. During the previous decade that figure was 636. Among other factors, the marked increase is a direct result of large-scale conflicts arising in countries such as Syria and Yemen, and reflects ongoing conflict in Iraq. Since 2003, in these three countries alone 374 news professionals have lost their lives.

"The world has become an increasingly dangerous place for journalists, as the risks associated with the profession seem to grow with each year," IPI Director of Advocacy and Communications Steven M. Ellis said. "Given the unique challenges and situations that journalists face across the globe, we are pleased to work with Insurance for Journalists to give IPI’s members the opportunity to address these risks and obtain the coverage that meets their needs."

‘Insurance for Journalists’ was born out of the necessity of providing tailor-made insurance cover to news professionals. Standard cover includes accidental death and permanent total disablement. There are options to extend the policy to include emergency sickness and medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation from anywhere in the world to the policy holders’ country of residence.

In case of a medical emergency or evacuation all details are handled by Northcott Global Solutions (NGS) via their 24/7/365 control centre manned by ex-military personnel, with direct connections to over 7,000 local support organisations world-wide. NGS provides on the ground assistance and is authorised to make direct payments to a hospital or clinic as needed.

The policies have been developed with the assistance of a team of media professionals lead by Frank Giglio, a former news production manager with 42 years’ experience gained working in the field for ABC and Fox News. ‘’The majority of news organizations and media outlets rely on the freelance community to cover breaking news, documentaries and special events, it is essential for the news industry that each individual or group are properly insured.’ Giglio said.

‘Insurance for Journalists’ Managing Director Hugh Brumfitt said: “After we had a few enquiries from members of the media, we realised there was a big gap in the market to provide affordable and comprehensive cover including an emergency evacuation and repatriation service from the point of incident anywhere in the world at any time for all members of the media.’’

Insurance cover starts from as little as €12 per week for €100,000 cover and policies can be obtained online in a matter of minutes at www.insuranceforjournalists.com/ipi . All IPI members will benefit from a 10 percent discount on all policies.

All policies are provided by Isle of Man Assurance Limited (IOMA). IOMA is authorised and regulated by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority and in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.


About the IPI: The International Press Institute (IPI) is a global network of editors, journalists and media executives who share a common dedication to quality, independent journalism. They promote the conditions that allow journalism to fulfil its public function, the most important of which is the media’s ability to operate free from interference and without fear of retaliation. IPI members work cooperatively to shape debate on policies affecting the media and to push back against those seeking to restrict the free flow of news and information in order to protect political, economic or other interests. Equally important, IPI membership offers solidarity in the face of oppression. Throughout its decades-long history, the strength of IPI’s network has shielded journalists from attack or forced violators of media freedom to backtrack amid global exposure of their actions.

[moumita]

This is a step in the right direction...