Secure Your Story: Join Our Journalist Safety Training
Equip yourself with essential knowledge and tools to navigate risks and protect yourself in the field. Presented by Freedom Press Initiative, dedicated to safeguarding press freedom and those who uphold it.
Register for Free TrainingAbout Freedom Press Initiative
Our Mission: Defending the Fourth Estate in India
Freedom Press Initiative (FPI) is a steadfast non-profit organization passionately dedicated to the critical cause of protecting and promoting press freedom across India. We stand firmly on the conviction that a truly free and independent media is not merely beneficial, but absolutely fundamental to the robust functioning of any healthy, democratic society. In a nation as vast and diverse as India, where the flow of information is paramount, safeguarding the voices that speak truth to power is our highest calling.
Since our inception in New Delhi, we have relentlessly pursued our mission, providing vital legal support, cutting-edge safety training, and strategic advocacy for journalists who find themselves under threat, facing censorship, or entangled in debilitating legal challenges simply for doing their jobs. We operate as vigilant watchdogs, meticulously monitoring instances of press freedom violations – from physical attacks and harassment to digital surveillance and arbitrary legal actions – and working tirelessly to dismantle obstacles and foster a safer, more secure environment for all media professionals, whether they are seasoned veterans or emerging voices.
Our dedicated team is a formidable blend of expertise and passion. We comprise experienced legal experts specializing in constitutional and media law, unwavering human rights advocates, and former journalists who understand the realities and dangers of reporting from the ground. This collective experience fuels our commitment to upholding the sacred principles of free expression, the public's inherent right to know, and the foundational role of journalism in holding institutions accountable. We believe that by empowering journalists, we strengthen democracy itself.
Through collaborative partnerships with other civil society organizations, media houses, and international bodies, FPI strives to create a united front against the erosion of press freedom, advocating for policy changes, offering rapid response support during crises, and building a resilient community of journalists equipped to face contemporary challenges. Our work extends to raising public awareness about the importance of press freedom and encouraging active civic engagement in its protection.
How We Support Press Freedom
Our Core Services
Legal Aid for Journalists
Journalists often face vexatious litigation, defamation suits, or even criminal charges aimed at silencing them. FPI provides crucial free or subsidized legal counsel and representation. This includes navigating complex legal landscapes, filing petitions, and defending against charges, ensuring journalists have the legal shield they need to continue reporting without fear of financially crippling or career-ending legal battles.
Press Freedom Campaigns
Raising public awareness is vital. FPI organizes impactful public campaigns, rallies, and online petitions to highlight specific press freedom cases and broader systemic issues. These initiatives mobilize civil society support, put pressure on authorities, and educate the public about the importance of a free press for their own rights and access to information. We turn individual struggles into a collective fight for fundamental liberties.
Journalist Safety Training
Reporting from complex or dangerous environments demands specialized skills. Our training programs, including webinars like the one featured, equip journalists with essential knowledge in physical safety protocols, digital security, legal rights awareness, and effective risk assessment. These workshops build confidence and competence, enabling journalists to mitigate risks and stay safe while pursuing challenging stories, protecting both themselves and their data.
Human Rights Monitoring & Reporting
Documenting and reporting on attacks, harassment, or censorship against journalists is critical for accountability. FPI meticulously monitors incidents across India, gathering evidence and compiling detailed reports. These reports are published nationally and internationally, raising awareness among policymakers, international bodies, and the public, serving as a vital record of the challenges faced by the press and a tool for advocating for change.
Policy Advocacy
Laws and policies must protect, not hinder, press freedom. FPI actively engages with government bodies, parliamentary committees, and legal institutions to advocate for stronger legal frameworks and policies that uphold journalists' rights and ensure a conducive environment for independent reporting. We work to influence legislative processes and policy decisions to dismantle barriers and strengthen the constitutional guarantees of free speech and press.
Journalist Safety Training Webinar Details
Upcoming: Digital Security for Field Reporting
Topic: Digital Security for Field Reporting
Date: October 26, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM IST
Format: Online Webinar (via Zoom)
Target Audience: Essential for journalists, bloggers, and media professionals operating in sensitive environments, or anyone handling sensitive information.
Key Takeaways:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of common digital threats journalists face today, from surveillance to malware.
- Learn practical techniques and tools for effectively securing your devices (phones, laptops) and communications (email, messaging apps).
- Discover best practices for safe data storage, handling sensitive files, and preventing unauthorized access to your work.
- Develop skills to recognize and defend against phishing, social engineering, and other deceptive digital attacks.
- Receive information on resources available for support and reporting digital security incidents or attacks.
Meet the Experts:
Dr. Anya Sharma
Cybersecurity Expert & Consultant
Rajesh Gupta
Legal Counsel, FPI
Sunita Rao
Senior Field Journalist
Our Impact: Stories from the Field
Voices of Change: Testimonials
Priya Singh
Investigative Journalist
"When I was targeted with a baseless legal case after exposing corruption, I felt completely overwhelmed and alone. Freedom Press Initiative stepped in immediately, providing expert legal intervention that not only protected my career but also safeguarded my source's anonymity. Their support was absolutely invaluable during one of the most challenging periods of my professional life. I don't know what I would have done without them."
Amit Verma
Freelance Reporter
"Reporting from remote areas, especially on sensitive political or environmental issues, carries significant risks. The safety training provided by FPI was a game-changer. It fundamentally altered how I assess potential dangers and take proactive steps to protect myself and my equipment in hostile environments. I feel much better equipped and confident navigating the field now, thanks to their practical guidance."
Deepak Nair
Editor, Independent News Outlet
"The advocacy work of Freedom Press Initiative is absolutely crucial for independent media outlets like ours. Their detailed reports on press freedom violations amplify our voices on a national and international stage and exert much-needed pressure on those who seek to silence critical reporting. FPI acts as a vital shield and a powerful voice for the entire media community facing increasing pressures."
Shreya Patel
Photojournalist
"As a photojournalist covering protests, physical safety is a constant concern. The practical safety tips and risk assessment modules in FPI's workshop were invaluable. I learned how to better prepare before going into potentially volatile situations and how to react calmly if things escalate. It makes a real difference in my daily work."
Arjun Rao
Broadcast Reporter
"Digital security wasn't something I prioritized until sensitive information on my phone was compromised. FPI's guidance on securing devices and communications was eye-opening and essential. It's not just about personal safety; it's about protecting my sources and the integrity of my reporting in an increasingly digital world."
Simple Steps to Register
How to Join the Training
Scroll down to the Registration Form section below on this page.
Provide the required details accurately in the form fields (Name, Email, etc.).
Click the 'Register Now' button at the bottom of the form.
Look for a confirmation email with all webinar access details in your inbox shortly.
Register for the Webinar
Secure Your Seat for the Training
Meet Our Leadership
The Driving Force Behind FPI
Dr. Anjali Mehta
Executive Director
Dr. Mehta is a highly respected human rights lawyer with an impressive career spanning over two decades, dedicated to championing civil liberties and advocating fiercely for press freedom. Her strategic vision and legal expertise are fundamental to FPI's mission and impact.
Vikram Roy
Head of Legal Services
A seasoned legal expert, Vikram specializes in the intricate fields of media law and digital rights. He spearheads FPI's crucial legal aid program, ensuring journalists have access to robust defense and counsel when facing legal challenges related to their reporting.
Shanti Devi
Programs Manager
Shanti is the force behind FPI's impactful training and awareness initiatives. She focuses on outreach and program development, ensuring that vital safety and legal knowledge reaches journalists in diverse regions and communities across India.
Rajiv Sen
Advocacy Coordinator
Rajiv coordinates FPI's advocacy efforts, engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to push for legislative reforms and policy changes that strengthen press freedom protections and accountability for violations.
Leena Chatterjee
Research Analyst
Leena's meticulous research underpins FPI's monitoring and reporting work. She documents cases of press freedom violations, analyzes trends, and contributes to reports that expose challenges and inform advocacy strategies.
Get In Touch
Contact Freedom Press Initiative
We are here to support journalists and advocate for press freedom. If you have questions about our work, need assistance, or want to learn how you can contribute, please reach out to us.
Phone: +91 11 7659 4951
Email: [email protected]
Address:
14 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Floor 5
New Delhi, Delhi 110001
India
For general inquiries, please email us directly or call our office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 10 AM - 5 PM IST).