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Conflict reporting has never been more difficult, or more dangerous. As the NUJ recently announced, reporters are increasingly becoming targets in conflict zones. And with most freelancers receiving little on-the-ground support, being properly prepared for what lies ahead is a matter of life and death. Award-winning Guardian journalist Harriet Sherwood has reported from conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank, Libya and Egypt, and has designed this two-part evening course to introduce aspiring war correspondents to the unique operational and ethical challenges of the role.
The first part of the course includes advice on how to prepare yourself mentally and physically, including a practical demonstration of the essential tools of the conflict reporter's trade, such as satellite phones, medical kits and body armour. The second part of the evening explores difficult ethical issues – including how to maintain objectivity and deal with your own emotions – and provides a dissection of how the propaganda war which runs alongside military operations can cloud the truth. The course also offers a realistic guide to the risks of conflict reporting, from kidnap to dealing with PTSD. This warts-and-all guide is an essential primer for anyone considering a career in conflict reporting, or editors responsible for their commissions.
This course is for you if...
- You're a journalist interested in conflict reporting, and want practical advice on what to expect and how to operate safely and effectively in conflict zones
- You're an editor who wants a greater awareness of the challenges faced by reporters in the field, and your responsibilities relating to them
- You're a journalism student who wants a better understanding of the realities of, and issues surrounding, conflict reporting
- You're curious about how the news gets made and want to understand the on-the-ground conditions faced by news reporters
Course description
This three-hour evening course comprises two instructional, plain-speaking talks dealing with the practical, operational and psychological realities of working as a journalist in a conflict zone. It addresses the necessary equipment for reporters, what to expect in the field, and the emotional and professional difficulties of operating in a dangerous environment. Topics covered include:
Session 1: A practical guide
- Advance preparation
- Essential kit: body armour, satphone, medical supplies
- Know the risks: what to expect in the field
- Afterwards: dealing with PTSD
Session 2: Ethical issues
- Journalists as targets in war
- The propaganda battle
- Detachment versus engagement: dealing with emotions
- What your editors need to understand about your job
Tutor profile
Harriet Sherwood was the Guardian's Jerusalem correspondent until January 2014, covering conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank, Libya and Egypt. Before that she was the Guardian's head of international news from 2003 until 2010. Harriet is the 2014 winner of the Dario D'Angelo award for her article Children of the Occupation.
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Details
Date: Wednesday 18 February 2015
Times: 6.30pm-9.30pm. Check-in begins 30 minutes before the start time.
Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
Price: £99 (includes VAT, booking fee and refreshments)
Event capacity: 24
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 7 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
