Good Practice Programme, Mexico

Funded by the Open Society Institute

Reflecting its commitment to supporting freelance newsgatherers around the world, The Rory Peck Trust is undertaking its first Good Practice Programme in Mexico, where newsgatherers, and especially freelancers who are most vulnerable, are increasingly faced with threats from illegal groups and organised crime.

The overall objective of the Programme is to contribute towards an improvement in the quality of life of freelance newsgatherers in Mexico, increasing their ability to work in safety and freedom, with improved working conditions and support systems, and respect for their rights. The Programme will seek to raise awareness of these issues, and ensure recognition of their valuable contribution to Mexico’s democracy among other freedom of expression organisations working in the country, national and international media outlets, the general public and freelancers themselves, who are often unaware of their own status and value.

For The Rory Peck Trust, the term ‘freelance’ is defined as:

• a journalist, photojournalist, radio reporter, cameraperson or photographer who is not employed as staff member of a media organisation, and does not have a permanent contract with entitlement to any benefits. e.g. sick pay, holidays, social security, pension
• he/she delivers the work (articles, reportages, photos, films, investigations) at his/her own risk and expense, in an independent way, to one or several media organisations, which will be publicised in exchange for an economic remuneration
• this professional does not have a formal or commercial relationship with any governmental office or private company linked to his/her sources of information

Phase 1 of the Programme, funded by the Open Society Institute, began in December 2006 and finished in September 2007. The programme is now looking to consolidate and publicise its findings from Phase 1 and prepare for Phase 2 by building networks of support and continuing low-level advocacy.

Working with local partners, the Trust has identified more than 300 freelance newsgatherers in Mexico, and has looked into their specific problems and needs. This information is providing the basis for future good practice activities, such as freelance-specific training courses and accessible insurance schemes that will be the overall aims of Phase 2. The Trust will continue working with local partner organisations Centro de Periodismo y Ética Pública (CEPET) and Fundación Prensa y Democracia México, A.C. (PRENDE).

For information about the Good Practice Programme- Mexico, please contact:

In London:

• The Good Practice Programme, Mexico

• Mexico Advisory Committee

• Mexico report

• Partner Organisations

• Información en español

• Home

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