1. Basic Requirements on Media’s Identity
1.1. Legal Entity Name
The Media Outlet, as Conforming Entity, shall provide the name designating the Legal Entity or entities under which it is conducting business. In some cases, this will be the company or public entity (branch of government, parliament, legally authorised state institution, etc.) that has ultimate legal ownership of the Media Outlet. This usually is the body that would be held liable in a court case. It is the body that enters into transactions such as paying employees and suppliers or receiving funds from readers, viewers, customers, advertisers and other sources of funding.
What is the Legal Entity Name?
1.2. Contact Details and Identifiers
The contact details that shall be provided are the postal address and both a general telephone number and email address for the Legal Entity or entities designated in clause 1.1 “Legal Entity Name”, as well as existing identifiers. Clarification: This should be the contact details for the Legal Entity. Elsewhere in this document, means of contact for reader, viewer or listener enquiries, editorial input and other purposes are required.
What is the postal address for the Legal Entity?
21472 Kulpin
Vojvodina Serbia
What is the general telephone number for the Legal Entity?
What is the email address for the Legal Entity?
Is the Legal Entity required to have a Tax ID, a Registration ID, a DUNS number and/or other identifiers?
YesWhat are these IDs for the Legal Entity?
Are there any other governmental or other identifiers that a certification body could use to verify the identity of the Legal Entity?
No1.3. Description of Media Outlet
The Conforming Entity shall list all brand names, titles, publication names, etc. under which its Content is published, broadcast, printed or otherwise disseminated to the public or customers. These will be known for this document and this process collectively as the Media Outlet. It is that Media Outlet that will conform with this Journalism Trust Initiative Standard. This is the Conforming Entity. These include all names used on website URLs and on social media accounts, etc.
What Brand Name(s), titles, publication names, etc. do you use to publish Content?
1.4. Distribution Channels and URLs
The Media Outlet shall list all URLs on which it publishes. If broadcast or audiovisual, the Media Outlet shall list all terrestrial frequencies, satellite, cable, streaming and other platforms on which it is distributed.
Does the Media Outlet publish on any URLs?
YesOn what URLs do you publish?
https://www.storyteller.rs/sr/home-sr/ (Serbian version)
Does the Media Outlet publish any content on any social media?
YesWhat are the social media URLs, handles, addresses or names that you use to publish?
https://www.instagram.com/storyteller.rs
https://www.tiktok.com/@storytellerrs
https://www.youtube.com/@storytellerrs
https://www.linkedin.com/company/online-media-storyteller
Does the Media Outlet publish any content by broadcasting and/or streaming?
No1.5. Safety Concerns
The Media Outlet shall at all times keep the safety (including digital safety and cybersecurity) of staff, contributors and owners as a primary concern. If full transparency of contact details or other information might endanger individuals, the Media Outlet shall describe what it can about the legitimate reasons for a lack of disclosure or use of pseudonyms for that purpose. Safety concerns shall not be misused to refrain from disclosure.
Do the Media Outlet's Editorial Guidelines state that the safety of all journalists shall be treated as a primary concern?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Adopted on April 22, 2025
1. General Provisions
1.1. This protocol aims to protect the physical, psychological, and digital safety of journalists, employees, and collaborators of the Storyteller newsroom during the performance of their professional duties.
1.2. All staff and collaborators are required to familiarize themselves with and adhere to this protocol.
1.3. The Storyteller newsroom commits to providing training and resources necessary for the implementation of this protocol.
2. Risk Assessment
2.1. Before any assignment: Journalists and editors must assess potential risks related to the task (e.g., covering protests, investigating sensitive topics). Risk assessment should include both online and offline threats.
2.2. Risk factors may include:
Location (danger zones, protests)
Topic (corruption, crime, extremism)
Information sources (unreliable, dangerous)
Potential reactions (threats, harassment)
2.3. Precautionary measures: Based on the risk assessment, appropriate measures must be taken (see also sections 3 and 4). For content that may provoke negative reactions and endanger journalists, the following preventive measures are considered:
Timing of publication: If there is significant risk, publication timing (on website and social media) should be carefully considered from a safety perspective. Preferably during newsroom working hours to allow monitoring and moderation.
Author anonymity: In high-risk cases, publication under the newsroom’s name may be decided in consultation with the journalist.
Temporary reduction of social media visibility: Journalists may temporarily restrict access to their private accounts (24–48 hours).
Limiting sharing and commenting: Enable options to allow interactions only from followers.
Social media account monitoring: If there's a risk of attack on a journalist’s private profile, other team members may assist in monitoring.
These measures are to be applied only following risk assessment and in consultation with the journalist concerned.
3. Offline Safety
3.1. Communication
Inform editor of location, duration, and risk before assignment
Establish regular check-ins during risky tasks
Emergency contact procedures must be in place
3.2. Movement and behavior
Avoid moving alone in risky areas or at night
Be aware of surroundings
Avoid sharing personal data or location unnecessarily
In case of threats or violence, prioritize personal safety and withdraw
3.3. Equipment
Use appropriate gear (e.g., protective equipment at protests)
Maintain equipment in working condition
Prevent theft or damage
3.4. Legal support
The newsroom provides legal support in case of threats or attacks
Journalists should know their rights and how to exercise them
3.5. Procedure in case of physical attack
Ensure immediate personal safety
Record details of the attacker and scene
Gather evidence (photos, videos, witnesses)
Report to the police (192) and relevant institutions
Notify the newsroom immediately
Inform the public and relevant actors (e.g., journalist associations) if necessary
Consider additional protective measures
Legal and psychological support will be provided
4. Online Safety
4.1. Account and data protection
Use strong, unique passwords
Enable two-factor authentication
Update software regularly
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks
Encrypt sensitive data
4.2. Communication
Use encrypted communication channels
Be cautious about social media sharing
Verify email/message authenticity
4.3. Harassment and threats
Document all harassment
Report abuse to platforms and authorities
The newsroom supports affected journalists
4.4. Source anonymity
Strict protection of source identities
Use secure channels to communicate with sources
Avoid revealing identifying information
4.5. Responding to online attacks
Create a newsroom folder for documentation
Save screenshots, messages, URLs, timestamps
Report abuse to platforms and save confirmations
Notify the editor and share documentation
Report serious threats to the High-Tech Crime Prosecutor (vtk@beograd.vtk.jt.rs)
Adjust privacy settings, block abusers
Psychological support will be provided
Consider public awareness if safe and consented
5. Psychological Support
5.1. Reporting on traumatic events may affect journalists’ mental health.
5.2. The newsroom provides access to psychological counseling.
5.3. Open communication and mutual support are encouraged.
6. Training and Education
6.1. The newsroom organizes regular safety trainings, including offline/online safety, first aid, and mental health support.
6.2. Journalists must attend and apply what they learn.
7. Protocol Review
7.1. This protocol will be reviewed and updated regularly in line with changes in the security landscape and best practices.
Are there any reasons that the Media Outlet has for withholding information on any of the questions as part of this JTI Standard process?
No1.6. Location
The Media Outlet shall provide the physical address of the headquarters of the legal entity referred to above in 1.1 Legal Entity Name. Clarification: This is necessary in cases where the address listed in the Contact Details clause (1.2) does not specify a physical location, or where the location designated by the contact details referred to in 1.2 is not the same location as the headquarters. Clause 1.5, Safety Concerns, may be applied.
Is the physical address of the Legal Entity different from the postal address according to question no. 2?
NoDo you have a safety-related reason for not providing it?
No1.7. Founding Date
The founding date of the Legal Entity referred to in clause 1.1 “Legal Entity Name” shall be specified. If the Media Outlet designated in clause 1.3 “Media Outlet” has a different founding date, the history of former legal entities and their founding dates shall be listed.