The news coverage as a social media portal has blessed us with many Independent social media reporters who jump into this world after finishing their education in Journalism, Mass communication, or media courses. In these competitive days, it is not easy to get a job as a News Anchor, Reporter, or media professional. To avoid this situation, the students run for internships to get some experience from different private institutions to jump on the spot as social media reporters.
Once the students complete their internship they apply for the reporting jobs in different news channels. But, still, they face trouble in getting a job. After finishing their education and internship for a degree, or diploma course in media, journalism, and mass communications, they become independent media professionals. Getting the rank of an independent journalist, most of them create their own YouTube channel and consistently they start reporting services utilizing different portals as social media reporters.
But, sometimes the local police try to stop these YouTube or social media reporters during coverage. In this blog, I will help you to know about 5 tips for avoiding fake FIR trouble or issues. The first thing you should be very careful of is identity. Some channels provide the facility of tying up with reporters by a formal Press ID that secures you a lot at the news spot.
Tips to Avoid Police Action at News Spot As Social Media Reporters
- Please don’t go to the police station with the police in the name of a fake FIR unless they give you a notice based on (Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita) or Indian Citizen Security Code. Without this notice, police can’t arrest or harass you.
- Social media reporters should be calm at the news spot and avoid being rude. In the run of exposing the truth on their portals, they should not become cruel. Social Media Reporters should not forget to carry News or Press I Card authorized with a well-known channel utilizing the tie-up process. Patiencefully, reporters should take permission or make a casual talk with the spot head. After that they can cover, and take public or authority bites for their coverage.
- If social media reporters are caught in a fake FIR, then it is their right to know according to which section they have caught.
- If your coverage is more impactful and it provides solid information and footage then FIR can be canceled by the High Court.
- Don’t do coverage without a supporting witness, otherwise you get into trouble.
More About Avoiding Fake FIR Trouble As Social Media Reporters
If you receive a call about an incident going on at some spot, don’t go there directly with a mic and camera. It can be a fake call and you can be trapped. For false coverage, you can get into trouble and police can take action if somebody complains about a wrong coverage. So, keep in mind that before reaching the ground for reporting, you should cross-check and have double confirmation about the incident you are going through as social media reporters.
It’s always better to keep supporting evidence and witnesses before you go for coverage to avoid disappointment with your wrong action.
Conclusion
In this fast-paced digital environment, social media reporters play an important role in spreading real-time information. But, they get tied with responsibilities and risks as they come into power. Fake FIRs are an increasing threat, frequently used to harass the reporters. Reporters can defend themselves legally and strategically by following these five simple tips: verify facts, stay in public view, document everything, contact local authorities when essential, and stay calm below stress.
Far from reacting personally, exercising presence of mind and simple security measures might help you avoid avoidable legal trouble. Remember that great reporting is more than just breaking the news; it is also about defending your rights as you do so.