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Hello, I'm Lindsey Mastis, founder of JournalistApps.com.
Journalism can be a dangerous job. You never know what will happen when you knock on a
stranger's door, or whether someone will try to steal your camera. Many newsrooms in the
San Francisco Bay area have hired private security for their news crews after several
were held up at gunpoint and their equipment stolen.
The Life360 app could help save the lives of journalists in danger because it features
a panic button that can discretely and quickly send an emergency alert to the news department.
Plus, in an emergency, the app connects users with a live advisor that can provide life-saving
instructions, or direct emergency responders to an exact location.
It's originally designed for families, so parents can keep track of their kids, but
it can be used in newsrooms. Here's how journalists should use it:
A newsroom should purchase the Premium version of the app, which is only five bucks a month.
Newsrooms can categorize staff by placing members in circles. I've created a circle
just for photographers.
Each journalist needs to download the free app, register, and connect.
When logged in, journalists can 'check in' and their location will be displayed on a
private map visible to everyone in the circle.
This means you don't have to call the assignment desk, and be put on hold if they're busy.
Checking in only takes a few seconds.
This app is extremely helpful during breaking news when multiple crews are sent to a scene.
It can ensure all the different areas are being covered, like a crash site, hospital,
and media staging area. It also allows journalists to communicate with each other, through messaging
and phone calls. No need to look up colleagues phone numbers.
If there's an emergency, all a journalist has to do is press one button to send an alert
to every single person in the group.
Within 10 seconds, the app will call, email, and text everyone in the circle.
Why not just call 911? While that would be ideal, it may not be possible or helpful.
Journalists in trouble may not be able to talk to the dispatcher or communicate their
location. Newsroom assignment editors and managers will be able to let police know where
to look.
Users can also tap on the Live Advisor button to connect with a person, on call 24/7, that
can see your current location, access your emergency profile, and direct emergency crews
to your exact location.
These features could end up saving the life of a journalist, or someone else. I've gotten
to crash scenes well before emergency personnel show up, so this feature can help others.
Another important safety feature: crime alerts. This app maps locations of recent crimes.
It also includes registered sex offender information, with a picture and an address of the offender.
Journalists like me, who often work alone will find this feature extremely useful. We
can choose to avoid knocking on registered sex offenders doors, especially when all we're
trying to do is gather a few quotes or soundbites from people in the neighborhood.
It also maps hospitals, fire departments and police stations. Each one of these mapping
features can be turned on or off in each journalists individual app.
This app is not designed to track people. It's designed to keep track of important locations
people visit and give them the resources they need to stay safe or call for help if in trouble.
So, News-managers, this app should be used to keep your staff safe, and they won't use
it if you try to play Big Brother. So don't. Journalists: log out of the app when they're
not on the clock.
By the way, the app currently advertises a six-person limit per circle. But I contacted
the company and learned that figure is outdated. The number of people that can be added to
a circle is unlimited.
Learning to use this app will take a little bit of time because it has so many features.
The app is free for iPhone and Android devices. Premium service is only five bucks a month.
I'm Lindsey Mastis, thanks for watching, and please visit JournalistApps.com for more.