Working with eyewitness media: ethics & rightsHazel Baker, Digital Editor, Sky News

Approaching eyewitnesses on social media

Get organised: who in the newsroom

will make contact?

How can we make contact? Private

message preferable.

Considerations before contact: is eyewitness at risk

or under 18?

What is it we most need to ask the

individual?

Handling responses from eyewitnesses“Gun shots heard. We are all in our rooms. Very scared. Can you tell me what is happening?”

“Yes I can talk, but I don’t have much battery left...”“Of course you can use it! I’ll go back out now and see if I can get any more.”

“My mate sent it to me, but he says it’s fine to use.”[ no reply ]

What do eyewitnesses need

from us?

A calm and

sensitive approach

Updates and links to their

material

Consideration of their personal safety

Clarity over how

we will use content

Recognition and sometimes

reward