Violence against TV news reporters is on the rise, according to new research from the Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). More than one in five TV news directors reported their newsroom employees had been attacked in 2021, the second consecutive year that at least 20% of TV news directors reported these physical attacks and verbal threats.

Reporters deserve the right to report the news without fear or favor – and our democracy depends on it. Dedicated journalists in local communities across the country are putting themselves in harm’s way to cover the news, shining a light on the many facets of the challenges we face today. They are working to hold local officials and citizens accountable, to find the answers to urgent questions and to seek justice. This has never been a more important task.

NAB provides resources for journalists and newsrooms to combat this alarming trend at Defending Journalists. Here, you’ll find best practices, practical advice for reporters and information about journalists’ right to cover a story.

Congress can also act to protect journalists in their line of work. The Journalist Protection Act, introduced in the House and Senate, would make intentionally harming a working journalist or intentionally harming a journalist with the intent of intimidating them from doing their job a federal crime.

NAB also strongly supports the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, which would help broadcasters invest in newsgathering for communities across the country. Take action now to ask your members of Congress to support this vital legislation.