Freelance

In many parts of the world, where they often represent the only independent voice, freelances struggle to work in the face of poverty, insecurity and repression. Only few organisations have a commitment to their welfare and safety.

INSI is proud to be associated with the following organisations which help freelances.

The Rory Peck Trust

Exists to support freelance newsgatherers and their families worldwide in times of need, and to promote their welfare and safety.

The Rory Peck Trust, established in 1995, is a registered charity with an ongoing commitment to the welfare and safety of freelance newsgatherers.

The Trust subsidises training in hostile environments, provides direct practical support to freelancers in need, and to the families of those killed, injured or suffering persecution during the course of their work.

Go to Rory Peck Trust website

 

The Frontline Club

Frontline is a media club that uniquely combines eating, drinking and thinking. Located in London, it has a private clubroom for members, and a restaurant and forum space open to the public.
Frontline displays photographic exhibitions and organise also the Forum, with its screenings and discussions on media issues.

The Frontline Club is committed to social entrepreneurship - profits from the restaurant and efforts from Club members help the work of the Frontline Charitable Trust and its events programme.

Go to the Frontline Club website

 

Freelens

Freelens is a french association dedicated to the protection of freelance photographers.

They have developped a safety code for their members and are doing many activities in the field of safety ranging from debates to developping a special insurance for freelancers working in war zones. See reporters without Borders for more details about the insurance policy)

Go to the Freelens website

 

Reporters Without Borders

Reporters Without Borders helps provide insurance for freelances, who increasingly go off to wars without it because of the high cost and lack of information about it. We have an agreement with the Audiens group, in partnership with ACE Europe, to give freelances cheap rates.

Since this programme began at the end of 2002, about 300 freelances have signed up for it, especially those going to Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Sudan.

Go to the Reporters Without Borders Insurance website

 

Reporters Without Borders also lend free equipment to journalists going on hostile environnment from bulletproof jackets and helmets to GPS personal distress beacons. A €900 deposit is required for all equipment.

Go to the Reporters Without Borders Equipment website

 

Demotix

Demotix is a citizen-journalism website and freelance photo agency. It takes user-generated content (UGC) and photographs from freelance journalists and amateurs, and markets them to the mainstream media.

Demotix was founded with two principles at its heart - freedom of speech and freedom of information. Demotix seeks to expand the number and variety of news sources by connecting independent journalists to the world's mainstream media, thereby:
- bolstering the ever-embattled media's attempts to get access to real news from around the world, and
- ensuring that the voice of the little guy (whether they're in Abergavenny or Zimbabwe) gets a say.

Demotix is dedicated to helping citizen journalists and freelancers work more safely in hostile environments, and will be working with INSI to forward that aim.

Go to the Demotix website