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February 05, 2026 – USA –
A newly established Emergency Fund for Journalists at Risk aims to provide rapid financial support to U.S. journalists threatened, intimidated, or otherwise imperiled in the course of their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) announced on 5 February 2026. The initiative is designed to offer immediate assistance to those covering high-risk beats or targeted because of their reporting, a move that advocates say fills a critical gap in domestic media safety resources.
The fund, backed by CPJ and partner organisations, will provide urgent financial aid to eligible journalists facing threats to their safety, including relocation expenses, legal support, counselling, and other protective measures. CPJ noted that while emergency assistance programmes have long existed internationally, dedicated support for U.S. media workers — especially freelancers and local reporters without institutional backing — has been limited in scope until now.
CPJ’s initiative comes amid a backdrop of heightened risks for journalists covering contentious issues such as political protests, crime, and social unrest, where reporters have encountered harassment, physical danger, and legal pressure. Organisers say the fund will prioritise rapid deployment of resources so that journalists can respond immediately to threats without enduring prolonged vulnerability or financial strain.
In announcing the emergency fund, CPJ’s leadership highlighted recent cases where journalists were threatened, attacked, or targeted for their reporting, underscoring that even in established democracies like the United States, professionals can face serious retaliation for doing their jobs. CPJ executives emphasised that the initiative is not a substitute for systemic protections, but rather a stop-gap resource designed to keep journalists safe while long-term structural safeguards — such as legal protections and employer support systems — are advanced.
The fund is expected to be accessible to U.S. journalists at risk, including staffers, freelancers, independent reporters, and digital content creators, reflecting CPJ’s broader commitment to supporting media diversity and press freedom. Applications will be evaluated on an urgent case-by-case basis, with criteria focusing on the immediacy of threat, lack of alternative support, and documented risk related to journalistic work.
Media groups and press advocates welcomed the announcement, noting that robust safety nets for reporters are essential as political polarization, misinformation, and hostile public rhetoric contribute to increasingly volatile reporting environments. Supporters argue that local journalists, in particular, often lack the institutional protection afforded to those at larger outlets, making emergency assistance a necessary resource for maintaining independent reporting.
While details of the fund’s long-term sustainability and funding sources were not fully disclosed, CPJ noted that contributions from philanthropic partners, journalism organisations, and individual donors are expected to underwrite the programme. The organisation also signalled plans to periodically assess and refine eligibility criteria and support mechanisms as the initiative matures.
The Emergency Fund for Journalists at Risk represents a significant step toward recognising and responding to safety threats faced by U.S. media workers, complementing global efforts to protect journalistic practice and uphold press freedom in the face of mounting challenges.
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