Thomson Reuters backs out of military pledge after concerns

Thomson Reuters signed and then backed out of a pledge to support the British armed forces after its journalists feared it could endanger colleagues working abroad, reports Charlotte Tobitt of Press Gazette.

Talbott writes, “The pledge required Thomson Reuters to promote the fact it is an ‘armed forces-friendly organisation’ to clients and the wider public, support national events such as Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day, the Poppy Appeal Day and Remembrance activities, and fundraise for Armed Forces charities.

“Thomson Reuters said it had decided to withdraw to protect the ‘safety and neutrality’ of Reuters journalists.

“The news agency’s staff feared that if it was seen as being supportive of the British armed forces or foreign policy it could put reporters working in certain countries, where British soldiers are not seen as a force for good, at risk.

“According to The Baron, which reports on news of interest to current and former Reuters staff, three senior editors – editor-in-chief Alessandra Galloni, global editor of ethics and standards Alix Freedman and global managing editor of news publishing Simon Robinson – were included in a group that reviewed the decision after concerns were raised.”

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