Life or Death for warzone freelancers
16 December 2002
The case of Channel 4 reporters Zaiba Malik and Bruno Sorrentino, freed from captivity in Bangladesh on Wednesday 10 December, highlights the increasing dangers faced by foreign correspondents post September 11. In response to these growing risks, many large broadcasters operate established training programmes for staff going into war zones but for the substantial number of freelancers working in the sector access to training is neglected.
Channel 4 and Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries, are jointly funding a new Hostile Regions Training Programme for freelance broadcast journalists and crew. The pilot programme will enable 60 broadcast freelancers to be trained by ex Special Forces personnel who will focus on awareness, anticipation and avoidance of risk in conflict zones.
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset explained:"The instability of a freelancer's life means they can't often find the time or the money for training in general which raises concerns but it is especially alarming when we are talking about their own personal safety. Thirteen western journalists have been killed this year. Last year, seven journalists were killed in one week in Afghanistan. There will always be risks in front line reporting but Skillset wants to see freelancers fully trained and prepared for those risks. And ensure, as far as is possible, their wellbeing."
Andrew Kain, ex SAS and Managing Director of AKE Group, who will deliver the programme said: "Training really can be the difference between life and death. Things have changed. In the past a press card afforded a certain amount of protection and deaths or injuries were about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now journalists in areas of conflict are considered legitimate targets. In the face of that level of danger you have to be trained to deal with hostile situations. And for freelancers training is even more important. They're out there on their own without the back up of a large organisation!"
Peter Meier, Director of Human Resources, Channel 4 said:
"The freelance workforce is crucial to Channel 4's output. We rely on them and, in the current hostile world climate, take the issue of their safety when operating in hazardous environments extremely seriously. We are glad we can work with Skillset to minimise the risks they face."
Freelance Journalists and crew for the pilot programmes, where training lasts for 5 days, were selected on the basis of prior working relationships with Channel 4. It is hoped the project can be developed as an on going concern with selection opened up to a wider pool of freelancers.
-ENDS-
For more information please contact the Skillset Press Office:
Eve Ragout 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. Audio visual industries in this context means, the Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive Media Industries. Skillset was the first Sector Skills Council to be licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations in 2002 to tackle the skills and productivity challenge. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.
The case of Channel 4 reporters Zaiba Malik and Bruno Sorrentino, freed from captivity in Bangladesh on Wednesday 10 December, highlights the increasing dangers faced by foreign correspondents post September 11. In response to these growing risks, many large broadcasters operate established training programmes for staff going into war zones but for the substantial number of freelancers working in the sector access to training is neglected.
Channel 4 and Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries, are jointly funding a new Hostile Regions Training Programme for freelance broadcast journalists and crew. The pilot programme will enable 60 broadcast freelancers to be trained by ex Special Forces personnel who will focus on awareness, anticipation and avoidance of risk in conflict zones.
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset explained:"The instability of a freelancer's life means they can't often find the time or the money for training in general which raises concerns but it is especially alarming when we are talking about their own personal safety. Thirteen western journalists have been killed this year. Last year, seven journalists were killed in one week in Afghanistan. There will always be risks in front line reporting but Skillset wants to see freelancers fully trained and prepared for those risks. And ensure, as far as is possible, their wellbeing."
Andrew Kain, ex SAS and Managing Director of AKE Group, who will deliver the programme said: "Training really can be the difference between life and death. Things have changed. In the past a press card afforded a certain amount of protection and deaths or injuries were about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now journalists in areas of conflict are considered legitimate targets. In the face of that level of danger you have to be trained to deal with hostile situations. And for freelancers training is even more important. They're out there on their own without the back up of a large organisation!"
Peter Meier, Director of Human Resources, Channel 4 said:
"The freelance workforce is crucial to Channel 4's output. We rely on them and, in the current hostile world climate, take the issue of their safety when operating in hazardous environments extremely seriously. We are glad we can work with Skillset to minimise the risks they face."
Freelance Journalists and crew for the pilot programmes, where training lasts for 5 days, were selected on the basis of prior working relationships with Channel 4. It is hoped the project can be developed as an on going concern with selection opened up to a wider pool of freelancers.
-ENDS-
For more information please contact the Skillset Press Office:
Eve Ragout 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. Audio visual industries in this context means, the Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive Media Industries. Skillset was the first Sector Skills Council to be licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations in 2002 to tackle the skills and productivity challenge. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.
