ABOUT THE RORY PECK AWARDS
Freelance newsgatherers are an essential part of an open and free media, and the international newsgathering industry relies heavily on their contribution. The Rory Peck Trust exists to promote the safety and security of freelancers around the world, and to help the dependants of those who are killed or seriously injured in the course of their work.
The Trust believes that by supporting and strengthening the freelance sector, it is supporting the independent view, press freedom and democracy.
Freelance newsgatherers are an essential part of an open and free media, and the international newsgathering industry relies heavily on their contribution. The Rory Peck Trust exists to promote the safety and security of freelancers around the world, and to help the dependants of those who are killed or seriously injured in the course of their work.
The Trust believes that by supporting and strengthening the freelance sector, it is supporting the independent view, press freedom and democracy.
Rory Peck was one of the most skilful and respected freelance cameramen of his generation. A fearless and individual operator, Rory captured some of the most enduring images of the late twentieth century. In October 1993, he was shot and killed while covering the October coup outside Moscow's television centre, Ostankino.
When Rory died, there were no rules and no structure concerning what to do if a freelancer gets killed, nor how to support those left behind. In 1995 Rory's widow and close friends set up an organisation to provide the assistance to freelancers and their families that no one else would give, and to raise awareness of the vital role of freelancers in newsgathering.
The Rory Peck Trust has grown into an internationally recognized organization, which provides a unique source of assistance, and is widely respected for the role it plays in promoting good practice and the right of freelance newsgatherers to do their work safely and in freedom.
The Trust enjoys the active involvement and support of an international and influential committee of freelance newgatherers, journalists’ organisations and broadcasters including ABC News, APTN, ARD, BBC, BSkyB, CBC, CBS, Channel 4 TV, CNN, ITN, NBC, Reuters, RTE, WDR and ZDF.
The Trust is totally independent and relies on its income from sponsorship, charitable donations and grants in order to fund its work.
When Rory died, there were no rules and no structure concerning what to do if a freelancer gets killed, nor how to support those left behind. In 1995 Rory's widow and close friends set up an organisation to provide the assistance to freelancers and their families that no one else would give, and to raise awareness of the vital role of freelancers in newsgathering.
The Rory Peck Trust has grown into an internationally recognized organization, which provides a unique source of assistance, and is widely respected for the role it plays in promoting good practice and the right of freelance newsgatherers to do their work safely and in freedom.
The Trust enjoys the active involvement and support of an international and influential committee of freelance newgatherers, journalists’ organisations and broadcasters including ABC News, APTN, ARD, BBC, BSkyB, CBC, CBS, Channel 4 TV, CNN, ITN, NBC, Reuters, RTE, WDR and ZDF.
The Trust is totally independent and relies on its income from sponsorship, charitable donations and grants in order to fund its work.