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War assignments are voluntary

Assignments by the BBC of journalists and crews to war and other danger zones are voluntary, said the broadcaster following conclusion of the inquest into the shooting to death of BBC journalist Kate Peyton.

"Kate was an experienced and courageous journalist. Her death was a terrible tragedy and our sympathies are with her family,” said the BBC in a statement.

It said: "The Coroner was clear that Kate knew she had the right to turn down assignments. The BBC will take into account what the coroner has said and safety policy is something which continually develops. The BBC plays a leading role, as a member of International News Safety Institute (INSI) in establishing industry wide safety procedures for journalists.

Coroner Peter Dean said the BBC and other broadcasters had lessons to learn from the death of Peyton, who was shot in the back in February 2005 on the streets of Mogadishu.

He found Peyton took the assignment only because she was afraid of losing her job. He said managers had to recognise that staff had an overriding right to turn down dangerous jobs, regardless of any fears they might have for their future employment.

Dean recorded a verdict of unlawful killing, following a three-day inquest. He said his observations did not imply the BBC was liable. He asked that a transcript of the inquest be sent to the BBC.

The National Union of Journalists General Secretary Jeremy Dear said: "The coroner’s verdict highlights the unacceptable pressures placed on Kate Peyton - but it is symptomatic of the kind of pressures many freelances, casuals and those who lack proper job security face. They feel they have to go to any lengths to prove their worth. Some risks are unacceptable and managements need to review the security procedures in place for all staff and freelances in light of today's decision."

In its statement, the BBC said: "The BBC will now reiterate the INSI code we helped develop, and which is our current policy, to all staff. This says that assignments to war and other danger zones are voluntary and that no career should suffer as a result of refusing a dangerous assignment. We have always supported that principle and will continue to do so.”

The broadcaster noted the Coroner has been clear that the risk assessment conducted by the BBC was done carefully and that the organisation has been exemplary in leading the field in safety policy.

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29Nov08 290
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