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Press Conferences

Political announcements, police statements, product launches and disaster management updates are commonly covered at a press conference (‘Pressers’).

Updated: 9 December 2024

These vary from pre-planned controlled events to potentially hazardous ad hoc situations where the risk will depend on the size, location – indoor or outdoors – type of conference, the mood of the audience, and access to the public. Also covers recording training at sports grounds.

What Can Go Wrong?

  • General hazard and fire
  • Electrical safety
  • Slips and trips.
  • Podium/falls.
  • Pushing, jostling with other news teams.
  • General violence.

Legal/´óÏó´«Ã½ Requirements 

  • There are no specific legal requirements to draw to your attention

Control Measures

General Controls

  • Check position to allow safe access to stage and exits
  • Check location of emergency exits and become familiar with local emergency arrangements and procedures. Never obstruct emergency exits or fire routes
  • Be aware of electrical safety, e.g., when using power supplies for lighting, or when connecting broadcast equipment to audio/video distribution systems. Check with host before using outlets. See Electrical Equipment (Portable)
  • Avoid cables and equipment in walkways. Cover / fly trailing cables
  • If standing/working on a podium, consider the potential load you might be placing on it, particularly where a number of press members simultaneously crowd on to it to gain a vantage point
  • Check height and edging, raised edges are useful to indicate the edge, but can create a trip risk
  • Plan filming/recording location on recce or on arrival
  • Presenters or broadcast equipment operators must make themselves aware of potential slip, trip and fall hazards before getting involved in action
  • Assist by back watching other team members. Consider the use of a second person when working in scrums
  • Think about subject of the conference – if feelings are likely to be inflamed, consider use of a second person and plan what to do if the situation escalates
  • If large crowds of fans or spectators are likely, or if protesters may be present, please see ‘Crowds, Demonstrations and Protests’ and ‘Violence and Aggression’.

Division Specific Issues

  • No division specific issues.

FAQs/Did You Know?

  • No FAQs.

Events Safety Guide

  • Events Safety Guide

    Visit the Events Safety Guide for a collection of topics related to organising your event.

Sports topics

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  • Safety Advice Line: 0370 411 0464 Email: safety@bbc.co.uk

About this site

This site describes what the ´óÏó´«Ã½ does in relation to managing its health, safety and security risks and is intended for those who work directly for the ´óÏó´«Ã½.

It is not intended to provide instruction or guidance on how third parties should manage their risks. The ´óÏó´«Ã½ cannot be held liable for how this information is interpreted or used by third parties, nor provide any assurance that adopting it would provide any measure of legal compliance. More information

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