Rating freelancer protection at 20 outlets

FIRE is pleased to announce the release of a major undertaking to strengthen the field of freelance investigative reporting: the pilot FIRE Guide to Freelancer Protection.

Funded by a grant from craig newmark philanthropies, the Guide evaluates whether publishers and broadcasters promise to protect freelancers from defamation liability.

It’s well known that many outlets don’t promise to do so, which can have a chilling effect on public-interest investigations. But other outlets do.

By alerting freelancers to competing approaches to defamation exposure, the Guide enables more effective decision-making, reducing time and costs in the public interest—while also recognizing model practices.

The pilot Guide features evaluations of 20 major outlets, from Atlantic to Wired.

To view outlets evaluated and release details, visit here.

To inquire privately, or contribute to the Guide confidentially, email us.

Thanks and more soon!