Reporters Shield

When a Russian policeman earning ￡3,869 can launch a libel case in the UK — then disappear, leaving ￡670,000 in unpaid costs — it’s a clear that the system around libel law is broken. David Hooper, a leading libel solicitor and author, makes the case for why the current anti-SLAPP law is “toothless”, covering only economic crimes. In a guest blog for Reporters Shield, David writes: “Mohamed Al-Fayed was a notorious SLAPPster. Henry Porter, Vanity Fair’s London editor, and I had in 1997 established Fayed’s criminality. In the win at all costs tactics which characterise such cases, Fayed tried to get us arrested. By aggressive legal and public relations strategies Fayed was able to prevent his full exposure until 2024.” We agree with David, what we need is: ? A law that swiftly and cheaply strikes out SLAPPs ? Stronger solicitor conduct rules — with real penalties ? A robust public interest defence that protects legitimate journalism Statistics from The Coalition against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE) show that SLAPPs are increasing in England. Read David's blog in full to find out why changing libel law is so urgent. https://lnkd.in/ev8_ZUXs #ReportersShield

We don’t speak about this enough. About the lawyers who step forward to protect press freedom, often at great personal cost. We’ve admired the work of these legal professionals who are fighting back against deep-pocketed plaintiffs using SLAPP laws to silence investigative journalists, NGOs, and persons who shape public opinion. Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC: Human Rights & Media Law ?? Represents journalists & activists globally at Doughty Street Chambers ?? Involved in high profile cases including providing legal counsel for Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Laia and fighting impunity for the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Flutura Kusari: Media Freedom & Anti-SLAPP Expert ?? Senior Legal Advisor European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) ?? Fights legal harassment of journalists across Europe from within organisations like the The Coalition against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE). Kay Murray: Legal Support for Journalists ?? Managing Attorney, Lawyers for Reporters as part of Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice ?? Over the last three decades, she's been protecting local & non-profit news organizations. Felicity Price: Specialist in Media Content ?? Advises journalists & editors in print, broadcast, publishing and audio ?? Expert in pre-publication legal review Jennifer Robinson: Human Rights & Press Freedom ?? Has defended Julian Assange & WikiLeaks ?? International legal advocate for free speech Samantha Thompson: Specialist in defamation and media regulation ?? Senior Associate at RPC ?? Co-leads RPC’s Anti-SLAPP legal initiative If you’re a lawyer, policy maker or advocate, we want to hear from you. We provide legal risk assessments pre-publication, respond to legal threats against Reporters Shield members, and defend legal claims against Reporters Shield members. ?? If you’d like to join our global pool of lawyers please complete our expressions of interest - https://lnkd.in/eJZYy-qe

"The process itself is the punishment." Sushma R., interim executive director of Greenpeace, was referring to a lawsuit filed against the organization by Energy Transfer. “It’s really about the silencing of the Greenpeace entities,” she continued during a press conference recently. “It’s about trying to bankrupt some of the entities, and more importantly it’s silencing and sending a message to broader civil society.” And she’s right. SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) lawsuits aren’t about winning—they’re about silencing critics through costly, time-consuming litigation. Recently, Media lawyer, Thomas R. Burke, author of the book "Anti-SLAPP Litigation”, explained that SLAPP suits make up "80 percent or more of the big lawsuits" against the media and environmentalists. They don’t just target journalists and activists, they impact everyday people. Anti-SLAPP laws exist in 35 US states and without strong anti-SLAPP protections, defendants often face crippling legal costs. We’re on a mission to change this. ?? At Reporters Shield, our members are protected, through a mutual fund, from legal harassment designed to stifle public participation. ?? Follow Reporters Shield to find out more about how we protect members from potentially fatal legal threats. #ReportersShield

“For every editor that thinks they will never get sued, you might not have been sued yet but, if you’re publishing reporting that matters, you will be and if you’re not ready for it, it can be very painful.” Drew Sullivan, co-founder and publisher with The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, shares his years of experience as an investigate editor in our latest guest blog. He writes that for many investigate journalists getting sued isn’t a matter of if — it’s when. Defamation cases against journalists are rising, with courts in some countries increasingly ruling in favor of plaintiffs. For global media, the risks are even greater. “Hope is not a risk mitigation strategy. You have to be ready worldwide to face defamation and privacy suits,“ he continued. How can you protect your newsroom? Drew explains: “I cannot think of running an organization without knowing I have well trained editors who take defamation seriously, access to specialised lawyers and good reserves.” That’s where membership organizations like Reporters Shield, who manage a mutual defence fund, can help. ?? Read Drew’s blog in full here - https://lnkd.in/ezjUdHjv ?? And check out the comments for details on how to join our membership to arm yourself against legal threats before they happen. #ReportersShield

This is something I wrote for Reporter's Shield. If you're a journalist you should read this. If you personally are sued, which is increasingly common, and your organization doesn't have good insurance, you may be personally liable for damages. RS, a membership organization, offers baseline or supplemental legal fees for lawyers for media to defend cases. There is no reason not to sign up for a little more protection. If you have no insurance you will, someday, likely be driven out of business. The world is changing and its increasingly toxic to truth tellers. You need to harden yourself. Ask your publisher how they are protecting you. You might be surprised.

“For every editor that thinks they will never get sued, you might not have been sued yet but, if you’re publishing reporting that matters, you will be and if you’re not ready for it, it can be very painful.” Drew Sullivan, co-founder and publisher with The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, shares his years of experience as an investigate editor in our latest guest blog. He writes that for many investigate journalists getting sued isn’t a matter of if — it’s when. Defamation cases against journalists are rising, with courts in some countries increasingly ruling in favor of plaintiffs. For global media, the risks are even greater. “Hope is not a risk mitigation strategy. You have to be ready worldwide to face defamation and privacy suits,“ he continued. How can you protect your newsroom? Drew explains: “I cannot think of running an organization without knowing I have well trained editors who take defamation seriously, access to specialised lawyers and good reserves.” That’s where membership organizations like Reporters Shield, who manage a mutual defence fund, can help. ?? Read Drew’s blog in full here - https://lnkd.in/ezjUdHjv ?? And check out the comments for details on how to join our membership to arm yourself against legal threats before they happen. #ReportersShield

Skipping libel insurance isn’t just a financial gamble. In the words of Richard Tofel - ex-President of ProPublica and principal of Gallatin Advisory, a journalism consultancy - leaving libel insurance up to chance is like playing “Russian roulette” with your entire newsroom. Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) and defamation claims are being weaponized to silence critical reporting. What we do know: ?? The number of legal attacks is increasing. ?? Even winning costs money. A frivolous lawsuit can drain resources, even if the case is dismissed. ?? Small and independent outlets are most vulnerable. At Reporters Shield, we provide legal defense protection to newsrooms, media outlets and NGOs publishing in the pubic interest. Is your newsroom shielded from legal attacks? You don’t have to wait for to receive a threat to realize you need protection. ?? https://lnkd.in/dwnJDE8R #ReportersShield

After 15 years working for charities in support of journalists and being at the vagaries of funding institutions, Clothilde Redfern was drawn to the business model of Reporters Shield. As our Executive Director, Clothilde, is leading a global team, bringing with her a deep commitment to press freedom and a strategic vision for sustainable legal defence. But what does a typical day look like? “There isn’t really a typical day which is a huge part of the appeal! Across any given week I will prioritise supporting my team, building relationships with funders, reaching out to news outlets & media associations to make them aware of Reporters Shield and reading up on the latest legal cases against journalists,” she said. Our team administers a global mutual defence fund for the benefit of our members and delivers legal services to prevent, respond and defend legal threats. “The biggest challenge facing the sector today is libel tourism — the fact that anyone with a legal standing in an expensive jurisdiction (UK/US etc) can sue a newsroom that isn't even based in that country. That’s why our program is global and our coverage is international. There are many intelligent diligent people pushing for legislative change but this is slow and in the meantime a proactive legal defence strategy is essential.” Our membership is growing, and we welcome newsrooms, media outlets, NGOs and independent publishers, providing expert legal support to counter lawsuits, so our members work without fear of being silenced. ?? On 26th March, you’ll have a chance to meet Clothilde and a few other members of the team at our next introductory webinar at 16:00 CET/10:00 ET. ?? RSVP so that you don’t miss out - https://lnkd.in/ebizEeDH #ReportersShield

We know that investigative journalism is a powerful tool for truth and accountability. Women journalists around the world are leading groundbreaking investigations, exposing corruption, uncovering human rights abuses, and holding power to account—often at great personal risk. The Reporters Shield team have been following the work of these five UK journalists & editors - which women journalists in your country have caught your eye? ?? Rozina Breen: award-winning journalist and editor, currently the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Bureau of Investigative Journalism. She has significantly influenced contemporary investigative journalism, shedding light on critical issues at the nexus of technology and democracy. ?? Hardeep Matharu: a British journalist and writer, and the Editor-in-Chief of Byline Times, an independent newspaper and website that aims to provide investigative journalism and commentary on political and social issues, focusing on stories often overlooked by mainstream media. ?? Shahla Omar: a journalist and news editor at The New Arab, a news and current affairs website covering the biggest stories from Middle East, Africa and beyond. Leading the way in amplifying perspectives and voices that foster progressive dialogue while challenging autocratic and sectarian narratives. ?? Carole Cadwalladr: British journalist and author renowned for her investigative reporting, particularly her work on the Cambridge Analytica scandal. She has significantly influenced contemporary investigative journalism, shedding light on critical issues at the nexus of technology and democracy. ?? Nadine White: An award-winning journalist and the first race correspondent in UK media. Her work has had real impact and uncovered stories that would otherwise have not reached a mass audience, exposing social and racial inequalities in the UK. She was shortlisted for the 2020 Paul Foot Award for her SPAC Nation Expose. We’re encouraged by how these journalists are shaping the future of investigative reporting, often in the face of legal threats, digital attacks, and censorship. Who are the investigative women journalists you’re following in 2025? Let us know in the comments. #ReportersShield #IWD2025

Media freedom is facing an increasingly complex set of challenges. The current landscape is creating some of the biggest threats to media freedom worldwide, including: ?? SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) and other legal pressures ?? transnational repression ?? misinformation and disinformation ?? journalism in exile ?? economic challenges ?? spyware and surveillance and ?? the growing impact of artificial intelligence So we’re pleased to be involved in this critical conversation at the UK Media Freedom Forum, bringing together journalists, policy makers, academics and civil society organisations to explore these further. Clothilde Redfern, Executive Director at Reporters Shield, will be part of today’s (Wednesday, 6th March) discussions exploring “Developments on Anti-SLAPP Legislation and Regulation”. The session is hosted by Susan Coughtrie, FPC Director, Co-Chair of the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition; Renaud Gaudin De Villaine, UN Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights; Charlie Holt, The Coalition against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE) Steering Group and UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition co-chair; Dario Milo, Partner at Webber Wentzel and Member of The High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom and Samantha Thompson, Senior Associate at RPC. There's an incredible line up of speakers throughout this two-day forum! If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time to join the online events - https://lnkd.in/etSUWaSH #ReportersShield