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Violence and stress at work
Media and entertainment:
Sector-specific information on violence and stress
Scope and impact of violence and stress
Physical violence in the media and entertainment sector particularly
affects front-line journalists, and to a lesser extent actors, dancers and musical
performers. Psychological violence, harassment and stress are prevalent in acting,
dancing, musical performance, broadcasting and journalism. Although the characteristics
of such jobs differ widely, there are some common sectoral concerns about violence
and stress.
Front-line journalists face being shot at, beaten, imprisoned
and even killed in the line of their duty, owing to the nature of their work,
involving direct contact with the public and coverage of issues such as public
disorder, war, acts of violence and abuse of power. War correspondents in particular,
in getting as close to the action as possible, face the added danger of being
caught in the crossfire. Their work in bearing witness to acts of violence such
as murder and rape, and the need to treat such events impartially and in detail
to raise public awareness, may sometimes lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Performance anxiety (stage fright) is a common manifestation
of stress among actors, musicians, artists, and other performers when auditioning,
rehearsing or performing. Furthermore, lack of artistic integrity and social tension
has been reported to increase distress for some performers, while control and
critique of performance can be a major strain on them; while often intended to
improve their performance and artistic excellence, under certain circumstances
it can be very hurtful and be construed as bullying. From a sample of 162 performers
from institutions such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Opera House and
English National Opera, around a third of actors, dancers and singers, and half
the musicians reported suffering from performance anxiety. Dancers also report
high rates of depression (38%).
Few media and performing arts sector workers have regular
hours, eight-hour days, or set lunch breaks, and many are on short-term, intermittent
and precarious contracts. For media workers, time constraints and pressures to
produce up-to-date information round the clock have meant varying work-patterns
including working at night and shift-work. Performers also report unsociable hours
and time spent away from home touring/travelling as major strains on their personal
relationships.
Stage and film actors face the mental and physical stresses
associated with performing including accidents, voice strain, excessive stress,
unrealistic demands on private lives, and once they achieve success, constant
scrutiny from the public. As a result, excessive smoking and drinking, and drug
abuse is widespread in the field, and the careers of a number of talented individuals
have suffered as a result of their addiction. The main causes of stress for popular
musicians have been identified as a need to reach or maintain high standards (51%);
instruments/equipment not working properly (45%); playing or reading a difficult
part (42%); lack of work (39%); inadequate practice/preparation time before performing
(38%); loud noise (37%); long-distance travelling whilst being tired (33%); inability
to obtain decent recording/management contract (32%).
The British Health and Safety Executive advise broadcasting
workers to consider the following issues as precautionary measures in situations
of public disorder/civil disturbance:
- If possible, find a high, safe vantage point. This may also offer a better
view of the situation;
- Do not allow lone employees to work in situations where violence is likely;
- Identify method and means of getting in and out of location;
- Avoid conspicuous use of filming or recording;
- Be ready to leave if the situation is inflamed or prolonged;
- Travel in marked vehicles;
- Work with someone who has a knowledge of the local area;
- Agree communication channels;
- Make use of protective clothing and equipment;
- Cooperate with other broadcasting agencies;
- Make use of security agencies.
Risk assessment, management and counselling strategies
Information collection and reporting of violent incidents varies
considerably between different media and entertainment occupations. The risks
to journalists and media staff working in dangerous situations and conflict zones
are well known, and more than 1,000 journalists and media staff have been killed
on duty over the past ten years. Similar statistics are generally not compiled
for other occupational groups in the sector. Many journalists are killed, injured
or harassed in war zones – either targeted by one side or another or caught
in the crossfire. Others are the victims of premeditated assault and intimidation
by criminals, terrorists or security forces acting secretly and illegally. Journalists
or media organizations cannot avoid some casualties, but they can reduce risks
by ensuring adequate preparation, training, health care and social protection
for journalists in dangerous situations. The IFJ has published a guide
on this subject (2003).
The International News Safety Institute, the initiative of
the world’s largest journalists’ group the International Federation
of Journalists and the International Press Institute, which represents editors
and media executives, is campaigning against attacks on media and violence against
journalists. Representatives from many countries identified the need to tackle
the growing worldwide tide of violent incidents against journalists and media
staff, by raising awareness and lobbying for safety. The International Federation
of Journalists has called on journalists’ groups, media organizations and
all relevant public authorities to respect the following International
Code of Practice for the Safe Conduct of Journalism:
- "Journalists and other media staff shall be properly equipped for all
assignments including the provision of first-aid materials, communication tools,
adequate transport facilities and, where necessary, protective clothing;
- Media organizations and, where appropriate, state authorities shall provide
risk-awareness training for those journalists and media workers who are likely
to be involved in assignments where dangerous conditions prevail or may be reasonably
expected;
- Public authorities shall inform their personnel of the need to respect the
rights of journalists and shall instruct them to respect the physical integrity
of journalists and media staff while at work.
- Media organizations shall provide social protection for all staff engaged
in journalistic activity outside the normal place of work, including life insurance;
- Media organizations shall provide, free of charge, medical treatment and
health care, including costs of recuperation and convalescence, for journalists
and media workers who are the victims of injury or illness as a result of their
work outside the normal place of work;
- Media organizations shall protect freelance or part-time employees. They must
receive, on an equal basis, the same social protection and access to training
and equipment as that made available to fully employed staff.”
Additional information
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