Primary Source Journalism

What is Primary Source Journalism (PSJ)?

Primary Source Journalism (PSJ) is the reporting of newsworthy current affairs 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 news events of public interest and to access information about them. PSJ requires distinctive journalistic skills and conforms to industry codes of practice.

What are examples of Primary Source Journalism?

PSJ occurs around politics, protests, natural disasters, conflicts, business affairs and legal proceedings as well as at organised cultural, sports, showbusiness, and civic events. PSJ includes interviews with high-profile figures, personalities and members of the public who have participated in or witnessed such events.

Why is Primary Source Journalism So Important?

PSJ is a vital, consistent and high-value societal asset providing trust-worthy, real-time and authentic accounts in a world of harmful synthetic content and disinformation. It is the bed-rock of local, national and global knowledge about current affairs, influence and social change. PSJ news content flows through a longstanding network of trusted news brands and into the hands of today’s news consumers.

How the NMC Protects PSJ

The NMC, dynamically and uniquely, safeguards independent PSJ newsgathering and news businesses by securing journalist attendance at organised events of news and public interest. The NMC challenges censorship in the form of limits on access, on distribution of news and the development of Primary Source Journalism reporting.