The pan-European newsroom raised €7,000 from readers, providing a defensive measure against powerful players who want to silence reporters through frivolous and expensive lawsuits
The European Correspondent, a pan-European news outlet with 200 reporters across the continent, has come up with a smart way to stop elites from censoring journalism they dislike: ask readers to help fund an anti-SLAPP defensive measure.
Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) have earned a fearsome reputation among journalists. These lawsuits, often filed by powerful individuals who don't like being investigated, aren’t necessarily about winning — the aim is to drain a newsroom's money and time, intimidate journalists, and stifle critical reporting.
But a new kind of safeguard is emerging to help level the playing field for small and independent outlets: organisations like Reporters Shield have developed what they call a mutual defence fund.
How does it work? The scheme charges an annual membership, flexibly priced – on average $3,500 a year – based on several factors, including the location of the outlet, the number of stories published per year, and how many legal claims they have already received. Protection comprises a three-pronged approach:
