SAG-AFTRA released a statement after the attack on two news crews last week in San Francisco.
The union said even with preparation, reporters an photojournalists are still vulnerable to attack.
“Safety for broadcasters continues to be a major concern in light of the continued robberies and attacks on news crews in the field,” said the union, which added it met with “all major news stations and requested various security measures for reporting teams.”
We also met with the Oakland Police Department on several initiatives, including: direct communication with area captains; safety training; parking passes; and stats on crimes involving media in a ongoing effort to protect news crews. We will continue to reach out to the San Francisco Mayor’s Office and the S.F. Police Department to discuss similar initiatives and protections.
Thursday morning KNTV photographer Alan Waples was pistol whipped when gunmen stole cameras from both Fox-owned KTVU and NBC-owned station KNTV while the two were reporting on a murder along San Francisco’s Embarcadero.