Reporters Shield is a membership program that defends investigative reporting around the world from legal threats meant to silence critical voices. The program is for print/online media outlets and NGOs that report in the public interest; as a benefit of joining, members get legal defense fees paid for up to a pre-agreed limit. Organizations can participate if they meet eligibility criteria and pay an annual fee based on several factors, including the size and location of the outlet, and the number of stories published per year.