US Journalist Assistance Network

In collaboration with U.S.-based press freedom organizations specializing in digital safety, physical safety, and legal rights, the Committee to Protect Journalists has compiled a list of resources to help journalists in the U.S. protect themselves against attacks on the press.

Journalists and editors can explore legal and safety resources from CPJ, its partner organizations, and safety providers in the chart below.

To find resources regarding a specific concern, filter by topic (digital security, physical safety, legal rights, psychological safety), tags (online harassment, immigration, protests, sources, U.S. border), or audience (journalists, editors).

To view and download resources and risk assessment templates in PDF or Word format, select the image under assets.

Explore partner resources:

Freedom of the Press Foundation

Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) protects and defends press freedom in the United States. Its digital security training team has taught thousands of journalists how to better protect themselves online. FPF also builds secure communications tools used by many of the nation’s top investigative news organizations, systematically tracks press freedom violations in the United States, and advocates for stronger laws protecting reporters’ rights at the local, state and national level.

International Women’s Media Foundation

The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) strengthens equal opportunity and press freedom worldwide. In the United States, IWMF offers customizable Hostile Environment and Emergency First Aid Trainings (HEFATs), in-person newsroom trainings, and one-on-one safety consultations. Topics can include risk assessment, contingency plans, personal security, psychosocial and mental health awareness, and preparedness discussions surrounding active shooters and protests. In 2024, the IWMF trained and surveyed 610 journalists across 200 media outlets in 13 U.S. states. 

PEN America

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. Its digital safety programming focuses on helping journalists, writers, and their advocates navigate online harassment and other safety challenges; collaborating with media organizations, publishers, and other institutions to strengthen safety infrastructure; conducting research and advocacy on digital safety and free expression; and working in coalition with partner organizations to fight back. PEN America also co-led, alongside the Aegis Safety Alliance and Journalist Assistance Network members, a recent pilot project to coordinate proactive and reactive safety support for U.S.-based journalists and news outlets at risk following the US election.

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press provides free legal support and legal resources, including training, direct legal representation, and reporting guides, to protect First Amendment freedoms and the news gathering rights of journalists both nationally and locally in the U.S. The Reporters Committee’s Legal Hotline is available 24/7 to working journalists and offers a privileged, secure way to obtain legal help from its attorneys.

For additional assistance, to speak directly with CPJ’s Emergencies team, or enquire about safety training for you or your news organization, please email us at [email protected]. Additional physical, digital, and mental health safety resources can be found on the CPJ Emergencies homepage.

If you would like to propose a resource to be added to the list, please fill out this form.