People around the world capture unexpected, entertaining, historical and newsworthy moments on their smartphones everyday. 

Some of the most defining news footage and popular viral content of the past few years was filmed by an eyewitness.

These photographs and videos are utilised by broadcasters, publishers, creative agencies and brands who seek to feature them in their own reporting and storytelling.

They also provide educators and human rights organisations with valuable information and evidence.

There are many issues surrounding how these photographs and videos are captured, discovered and published, relating to protection, consent, verification and copyright. 

Eyewitness Media Hub is here to help.

Ethical

  • We encourage broadcasters and publishers to adhere to a set of industry-wide standards when securing the rights to use eyewitness media
  • We help eyewitnesses make informed decisions when granting permission for their content to be used
  • We advise publishers, social networks and audiences on the impact of distributing graphic, sensitive or upsetting imagery

Legal

  • We provide guidance regarding how eyewitness media should be presented when published or broadcast
  • We inform eyewitnesses of their rights to privacy and ownership for content they have shared on social media 
  • We promote preventative practices in an effort to protect all parties from legal repercussions

Logistical

  • We deliver training in the most efficient ways to find, verify and secure permission to use eyewitness media
  • We help to extend the knowledge and conversation surrounding eyewitness media beyond a niche group of practitioners
  • We support and promote innovative solutions to some of the major challenges faced by eyewitnesses and publishers

Research

Through our continuing research we endeavour to deepen understanding of the phenomenon of eyewitness media and its impact on the following groups:





  • creators
  • audiences
  • publishers
  • broadcasters

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Development

Using our research as a foundation, we develop resources that provide practical guidance and training in the following areas:





  • permission and consent
  • sharing graphic content
  • vicarious trauma
  • verifying content
  • protecting sources

Guiding Principles

Distribution

We raise awareness through our outreach activities and aim to embed best practice principles through:

  • training workshops
  • mentoring schemes
  • audio and video broadcasts
  • digital packages 
  • summits and conferences

Read Articles