If your reporting of presidential campaign events is interfered with, here's where to report it

In response to what it calls "the disturbing number of clashes and threats of violence against the news media during the presidential primaries," the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has launched a service to track and respond to interference with news-gathering during the run-up to the Nov. 8 election.

“Elections and freedom of the press are cornerstones of our democracy that should work hand-in-hand to ensure an informed electorate,” Reporters Committee Executive Director Bruce D. Brown said in a news release. “The fact that reporters are facing unprecedented obstacles to basic reporting on the campaigns demands our attention – and action.”

"The Reporters Committee will monitor interference with the news media by the presidential and vice presidential campaigns, their organizations and staff, and law enforcement officials," the release said. "Whenever possible, Reporters Committee attorneys will intervene with the candidates, parties, national and local officials and officers to stop these practices."

The committee asks journalists who are "intimidated, harassed, or otherwise prevented from news-gathering in public forums on the campaign trail" to report it at www.rcfp.org/campaign or by writing to hotline@rcfp.org. Committee staff will also monitor Twitter (@rcfp) and Facebook (facebook.com/ReportersCommittee). Incidents and follow-up will be reported as they develop at www.rcfp.org/campaign, where a sign-up for updates is available.