The News Media Coalition (NMC), representing news publishers and national and international news agencies, today announced a new strategy statement to help enable Primary Source Journalism (PSJ) — witness-based reporting that underpins factual understanding of unfolding events and communities.
The NMC’s Framework for PSJ sets out nine conditions needed for on-the-ground newsgathering to flourish. These include securing access to newsworthy events, recognising the effort and investment behind professional newsgathering, and lifting barriers that restrict evolving forms of reporting and the distribution of news.
NMC Chief Executive Andrew Moger said there is a growing recognition that quality, original journalism is a precious resource that should be “embraced, accommodated and empowered” through practical means. He described PSJ as “the raw material of truth”, emphasising that primary source journalists must be supported to witness events directly, access information, and be respected for the work they do.
The Framework also reflects NMC concerns about the increasing use of restrictions that can curb independent reporting — including arbitrary and restrictive accreditation processes imposed by organisers of staged events of high public interest, such as sports, showbusiness, cultural and civic events. The NMC engages with event owners and rights-holders through structured dialogue and seeks best-practice arrangements that protect editorial independence while supporting the delivery of news to audiences.
PSJ is the reporting of newsworthy events by trained journalists with the purpose of better informing society. The creation of written reports, photography and video news material relies on journalists being able to witness events of public interest and access information about them. PSJ requires distinctive journalistic skills and conforms to recognised industry codes of practice.
About the NMC
The News Media Coalition, or ‘NMC’, is an international industry organisation comprising reputable news brands. Together – as news publishers and news agency content suppliers – they represent a significant proportion of the global news media sector, each day generating millions of pieces of news which flow directly or indirectly to news consumers.
