Ethical Event Coverage - A checklist

A comprehensive list of considerations for before, during and after your event to help ensure you have approached media and content creation with high ethical standards.

Before the Event

Before the event:

1. Have all necessary permissions been obtained?

   • For Media Teams: Do you have consent from organisers, speakers and attendees for filming and photography?

   • For Organisers: Have you informed attendees about media coverage, including how the content will be used?

     
     

2. Are privacy considerations clearly communicated?

   • Is there a clear opt-out process for attendees who do not wish to be featured in media coverage?

     
     

3. Is the media coverage plan inclusive and respectful?

   • Does your plan prioritise diverse representation of participants, speakers and activities?

     
     

4. Are accessibility needs being addressed?

   • Have individuals with disabilities been considered? For example, captions, sign language interpreters and wheelchair access?

   • Are photographers and videographers prepared to capture the event in a way that highlights inclusivity?

During the event:

5. Are boundaries and consent being respected?

   • Are photographers and videographers refraining from filming or photographing individuals who have opted out?

   • Are private moments or sensitive situations being respected?

     
     

6. Is the coverage authentic and non-intrusive?

   • Are media teams capturing the event naturally, without staging or disrupting activities?

   • For organisers: Are you ensuring media coverage complements rather than dominates the event experience?

     
     

7. Are cultural and contextual sensitivities being considered?

   • Are you mindful of cultural norms, traditions or taboos that may influence what is appropriate to capture?

After the event:

8. Are photos and footage being reviewed for ethics and quality?

   • Has the media team checked for unintended biases, misrepresentation or privacy violations before publishing?

   • Are there any moments captured that could embarrass or harm participants?

     
     

9. Are all individuals credited and acknowledged where necessary?

   • For user-generated content or external media, have you attributed content creators appropriately?

   • For organisers: Have you acknowledged the contributions of speakers and participants in your media coverage?

     
     

10. Is the final content aligned with ethical values?

    • Does the published media accurately and respectfully represent the event’s purpose, participants and outcomes?

    • For organisers: Does it reflect your commitment to inclusivity, transparency and respectfulness?