Ethics and Safety in Journalistic Interviews with Migrants
- Factchequeado
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
Leading organizations in journalistic ethics—such as the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE), and the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma—agree that informing a migrant source about the risks of speaking publicly is not a deterrent or censorship, but an ethical obligation. In addition, they recommend working with empathy and respect, not with pity or condescension.
Interviewing immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees, or people without documents requires additional confidentiality and security precautions. Someone undocumented, mixed-status, or about to change status due to constant changes in immigration policies may be afraid to speak to the media because it could put them at risk and, perhaps, lead to the deportation of themselves or their loved ones.
Before the interview, clearly explain to the migrants, in a simple way and in their language:
● who you are;
● the purpose of the interview;
● the possible risks of making their story public;
● anonymity options;
● that their participation is voluntary.
When the testimony of an interviewee appears in a medium, whether radio, television, social networks, or the internet, it becomes a public story; therefore:
● it can stay on the internet for a long time;
● can be shared outside of the original medium, even without your permission;
● it can be read or listened to by officials, civil organizations, and many other people;
● And even if the name is not used for protection reasons, some details can allow the person to be identified, such as their job, family, neighborhood, or personal history.
The recommendations of the SPJ and the Ethical Journalism Network (EJN) guide recommend offering concrete risk reduction options, such as:
● total or partial anonymity;
● removal of non-essential details;
● image or voice protection;
● delay publication if the source situation changes.
In all cases, the final decision must rest with the person interviewed. The ethical responsibility of the journalist is to ensure that this decision is made with sufficient knowledge of the possible consequences, especially when it comes to vulnerable populations.
According to IRE and SPJ, the journalist must make it clear that:
● cannot offer legal protection;
● you cannot guarantee that other people or authorities will not use your story;
● You cannot control what happens to the information once it is published.
When the interviewees are minors – children and adolescents under 18 years of age – protection must be reinforced. It is important to get consent from your mother, father, or guardian.
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