Reporting Safely in Crisis Zones
This intensive program is aimed at preparing journalists, especially independent freelancers, to think critically about how to work effectively and safely in volatile situations such as war/conflict or disaster zones, with emphasis on prevention of harm.
When: October 18-20, 2013
Where: Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, 2950 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
Overview: Covering crisis presents some of the biggest challenges in the profession. The wrong move can kill someone, including yourself. Reporters must make quick decisions on whether to trust a translator or drive down a dangerous road. This course will show how to operate with caution in volatile situations, with an emphasis on conflicts. However the survival tips also relate to natural catastrophes like earthquakes. Most hostile environment training for journalists deals with ducking crossfire and kidnappers. Instead, we discuss how to avoid unnecessary peril, with careful preparations before, during and after assignments. Participants will emerge with a better understanding of how to hire fixers, shun attackers or protect computers.
Specialists will provide instruction in the following areas:
1. Risk assessment: making the right call, setting limits, sound practices amid riots, snipers, mines, shooting, roadblocks, infiltrators and general mayhem
2. Trauma: emotional self-care on troubling stories
3. Cyber security: safeguarding sensitive communications and data. Codes, encryption and cloud computing
4. Emergency first aid: tourniquets, triage, fractures and bullet wounds
5. Rape/assault prevention, setting boundaries, delaying tactics, basic self-defense, healing
Lead Instructor: Judith Matloff, adjunct faculty, Columbia Journalism School.
Pricing: $695. Bursaries will be awarded by the Rory Peck Trust and Canadian Forum. Deadline dates and application details to come.
Class Size: A maximum of 25 participants can register for this course.
Apply: To apply for this course, a prospective student must send a CV and brief summary of his/her professional experience (up to 400 words) to ce@jrn.columbia.edu with the subject line reading REPORTING IN CRISIS ZONES. Admission notification will be sent upon receipt of student materials.
Please Note: Columbia University reserves the right to cancel and/or reschedule a course based on enrollment figures. In the event of cancellation or postponement, the Continuing Education department will offer reimbursement for the course. In other cases, all sales are final. Continuing Education does not offer refunds, credits or exchanges. We apologize, but there are no exceptions to this rule.
Please direct all questions to ce@jrn.columbia.edu.
Contact
Tatiana Rivera
Program Manager, Administration
Columbia Journalism School
2950 Broadway, Room 702A
New York, NY 10027
tgr2114@columbia.edu