Field Reporting in Cronkite Courses

Updated August 2024

Safety is the top priority for students conducting field reporting as part of a Cronkite School course. The following guidelines apply to students and faculty anytime students cover events off-campus. The Cronkite School will not will not publish or air reporting conducted without instructor approval or in violation of any of these guidelines. 

For faculty

The following guidelines for Cronkite instructors outline considerations for approving student field reporting and expectations for student support. It is critical that faculty emphasize safety and model careful consideration and risk assessment for and in collaboration with students. 

Ground rules

  1. Students may conduct field reporting only when the following conditions have been met:

    a. The instructor has confirmed the Student Field Reporting Guidelines (below) with the student. 
    b. A Cronkite instructor has approved the student’s story and reporting plan, and has approved field reporting as part of that plan.
  2. Students must be enrolled in a 400-level course or above to conduct field reporting at political rallies and other political or professional athletic events that require media credentialing.
  3. Faculty must accompany students covering rallies in which presidential candidates are expected to be in attendance.
  4. Withdrawing from a reporting opportunity for safety reasons does not impact a student’s grade.
  5. Cronkite faculty may not publish or air content that violates these guidelines. 

Planning and approval

  1. Faculty should assess the following questions when considering opportunities for students to report in the field: 

    a. What are the risks involved in reporting this story in the field? 
    b. What is the learning value of field work for this particular student?
    c. What is the editorial value of field work for this particular story?
    d. What is the student’s previous field reporting experience? How effectively did they conduct it?
    e. What are the student’s transportation and self-care plans?
    f. Does the reporting event have specific media guidelines?
  2. Faculty should seek additional approval for field reporting that requires protective gear or otherwise carries additional safety risks.
  3. If an instructor approves field reporting, the instructor should initiate a plan for frequent check-ins with the student while in the field. 

While in the field

  1. Both faculty and students are empowered to withdraw permission for field work at any point in the reporting process as conditions change.
  2. Faculty accompanying students in the field should follow the same guidelines as students (below). 
  3. Faculty may not drive students in personal vehicles. Faculty should plan to meet students on location. 

For students

When pursuing assignments for a for-credit Cronkite course, students must follow the following guidelines. Failure to follow these guidelines violates the Cronkite School’s academic integrity policy, which carries a sanction of an XE in the course. Additionally, the Cronkite School will not publish or air reporting conducted without instructor approval or in violation of any of these guidelines. Remember that safety comes first, the story comes second.

Planning

  1. You may conduct field reporting for coursework only at the direction of a Cronkite faculty member. The faculty must approve your story and reporting plan, including your location.
  2. Students must be enrolled in a 400-level course or above to conduct field reporting at political rallies and other political or professional athletic events that require media credentialing.
  3. Students covering rallies in which presidential candidates are expected to be in attendance must be accompanied by a faculty member. 

At all times

  1. Inform your instructor of your whereabouts: Tell your instructor where you are going and when you’ll be back. If your instructor determines a situation is unsafe, you must follow their instructions. 
  2. If at any time one member of a reporting team feels unsafe, all members of that team must leave the area, return to a safe place, and check in with their instructors. Withdrawing from a reporting opportunity for safety reasons does not impact a student’s grade.  
  3. Carry a government-issued ID at all times.
  4. Make sure your mobile phone is charged. If you have a portable charging device, make sure it is charged and with you.
  5. While reporting, wear and protect your press credentials. While off-duty, remove your credentials or tuck them inside a shirt. Note: A credential is no guarantee of safe passage. If a person with a weapon—a member of law enforcement or a citizen—tells you to move, comply immediately. 
  6. Protect your equipment and cell phone. Keep an inventory. Keep your bags zipped/tied. Make sure your gear is never out of sight. Bring extra batteries, chargers and SD cards. 
  7. Comply with police directions. Don’t argue. Remain calm and professional. Call your instructor for assistance.
  8. If authorities order an area evacuated, do so immediately. Your instructor will discuss where to meet up in the event of evacuation.

At protests and in crowds

  1. If you become separated from your instructor or reporting team, stop working, call them immediately and find a place to meet up.
  2. If you find yourself in the middle of a spontaneous protest without supervision, get to a safe space and contact your instructor.
  3. Never get between police and protesters.
  4. Save these numbers in your contacts and write them on your wrist or on the inside of your waistband in permanent marker: Your instructor’s phone number and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) hotline, 800-336-4243.
  5. Stay on the edge of crowds. Your goal is to be close enough to observe without endangering yourself or interfering with protesters or authorities.
  6. Practice “situational awareness.” Constantly scan your surroundings. Have a clear escape route. Don’t let yourself get boxed in. 
  7. Wear a hat, sunscreen and bring bottled water and snacks. You can’t do your job if you are sick, dehydrated or hungry.  

If a reporting environment becomes unsafe

  1. Get to safety immediately—ideally away from the area.
  2. Contact your instructor immediately.
  3. Do not be a hero. You are a student. There is no reason to run toward danger. Taking undue risks endangers others. 
  4. If you see police putting on gas masks, or protesters with hammers, rocks or other weapons, leave immediately and seek safety.
  5. Do not touch any items dropped by protesters or police. 
  6. If police demand your camera, notebook, SD card or phone, identify yourself as a member of the press and an ASU student, and ask to call your instructor on the spot. If they threaten to arrest you, comply.