Hostile Environments & War Zones

Lessons from the Front Line

Colin Pereira, head of safety and security at ITN outlines some of the issues cameramen and journalists need to be aware of before venturing into war zones and other areas of conflict

Preparation

Journalistic safety is no dark art. Generally it comes down to common sense, experience and luck. But the lucky ones are often those who are the best prepared.

Risk Assessment

Before departure for any assignment, putting together a risk assessment can really help. Journalists are generally negative about risk assessments, viewing them as unnecessary form filling. If treated like that, then they will be. But if you sit down for even a few moments to think about what you are about to do; what you need to take; and how to deal with something if it goes wrong – it can make a massive difference.