You stop relying on blanket dispersal orders, curfews, other things like that. Arrest people for shooting, looting, throwing bricks, setting fires, you know, crimes that matter.
The journalists would see this as an impediment to them getting the "true story" (for whatever value of "X" that is) as it prevents them from "embedding" with the masses along with identifying the journo for violent actions. Not every "reporter" has a full camera crew.
That being said, there were examples of the vest you describe at the DC "insurrection", or at least I saw some some journos wearing neon-yellow reflective vests stenciled with "REPORTER" on the live feed.
Personally, I agree with you totally. Police & journalists should be clearly identified to better control things as it seems the default these days is to riot.