Life or death for warzone freelancers
In response to the increasing dangers involved in frontline reporting, hostile regions training for freelance broadcast journalists and crew has become an investment priority for Skillset in 2003. A pilot programme, jointly funded with Channel 4, is currently underway with plans to roll out the project as an ongoing concern. The training, by ex Special Forces personnel, helps freelancers entering combat zones to be more aware of the risks and anticipate and avoid them.
In the current world climate the dangers faced by foreign correspondents working in areas of conflict are escalating at an alarming rate. At the time of writing, three journalists had been killed in the conflict with Iraq and seven more are currently missing. Where once a press card afforded a certain amount of protection, and deaths or injuries were a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, post September 11 journalists are considered legitimate targets. Training is vital to safeguard lives. 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. Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset said: "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. 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."
Peter Meier, Director of Human Resources, Channel 4 and Skillset Board member told us: "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."
The pilot programme saw 60 freelancers put through their paces by ex-SAS men over five days in the valleys of Abergavenny, where they learnt how to interact with the military, deal with guerilla troops, survive traumatic scenarios, cope with stress and gained field medic skills.
Andrew Kain, ex-SAS and Managing Director of AKE Group, who delivered the programme told us: "A freelancer in a war zone is out there on their own without the back up of a large organisation and they need to be trained to deal with hostile situations. It really can be the difference between life and death."
In the current world climate the dangers faced by foreign correspondents working in areas of conflict are escalating at an alarming rate. At the time of writing, three journalists had been killed in the conflict with Iraq and seven more are currently missing. Where once a press card afforded a certain amount of protection, and deaths or injuries were a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, post September 11 journalists are considered legitimate targets. Training is vital to safeguard lives. 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. Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset said: "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. 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."
Peter Meier, Director of Human Resources, Channel 4 and Skillset Board member told us: "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."
The pilot programme saw 60 freelancers put through their paces by ex-SAS men over five days in the valleys of Abergavenny, where they learnt how to interact with the military, deal with guerilla troops, survive traumatic scenarios, cope with stress and gained field medic skills.
Andrew Kain, ex-SAS and Managing Director of AKE Group, who delivered the programme told us: "A freelancer in a war zone is out there on their own without the back up of a large organisation and they need to be trained to deal with hostile situations. It really can be the difference between life and death."
