Training: Risk Assessment and Managing Boundaries for Journalists Covering Conflicts-Session 1

Trainer: Abeer Saady 

Safety of Journalists Consultant

Former Vice President – International Association of Women in Radio and Television

Summary & Highlights:

JWF`s 5th Annual Media and Journalism Webinars started with the training delivered by Abeer Saady, a consultant on safety of journalists and Former Vice President of International Association of Women in Radio and Television based in Germany. Ms. Saady’s training was a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted challenges and risks encountered by journalists globally, particularly those engaged in sensitive and investigative reporting. Throughout her discourse, Abeer Saady underscored the growing peril associated with journalistic endeavors, highlighting not only physical threats in conflict zones but also targeted all forms of violence against journalists including physical, psychological and harassment online.

Drawing upon poignant examples, Abeer Saady referenced Mari Colvin, whose tragic death occurred while covering conflicts in the Middle East, and Daphne Caruana Galizia, an investigative journalist from Malta who lost her life in a car bombing following her work uncovering corruption. These cases vividly illustrate the profound dangers journalists face in pursuit of truth and accountability.

In addition to physical risks, she addressed the escalating issue of online harassment directed at journalists. Ms. Saady pointed out that such attacks often originate on social media platforms and quickly escalate to more life threatening and personal levels. This digital harassment not only endangers journalists’ safety but also takes a significant toll on their mental health, potentially pressuring them to reconsider their careers. She also emphasized the critical importance of safety training tailored for journalists, encompassing both physical safety protocols in hazardous environments and digital security measures against cyber threats. Her advocacy for a holistic safety approach extended to the psychological and social dimensions impacting journalists’ well-being and professional effectiveness.

Throughout the training session, Abeer Saady reiterated the pivotal role of freedom of expression and the courageous efforts journalists undertake to unearth truths and challenge powerful interests. She prompted an engaging dialogue with her audience on the inherent risks of covering sensitive topics, prompting participants to reflect on whether the potential benefits of such reporting outweigh the personal risks involved.

A central theme of Ms. Saady`s discourse was the necessity for journalists to continually assess risks, make informed decisions, and adopt proactive safety measures. She aptly employed the metaphor of a frog in boiling water to illustrate the importance of vigilance and timely action in response to evolving threats. Beyond practical safety guidelines, she underscored the ethical imperatives of journalism, cautioning against the blurred boundaries between advocacy and impartial reporting. Her emphasis on maintaining journalistic integrity amid hazardous conditions resonated throughout the presentation, urging journalists to uphold ethical standards while navigating complex and often perilous reporting landscapes.

Abeer Saady actively engaged her audience through interactive elements such as polls on password security and data management practices on mobile devices. This participatory approach underscored her commitment to fostering a community of journalists equipped with updated security practices and safeguarding strategies for personal information.

Ms. Saady’s presentation served as a compelling call to action for heightened awareness, proactive risk assessment, and unwavering support for the safety and well-being of journalists worldwide. By illuminating the intricate interplay of digital, physical, and psychosocial safety concerns, Abeer Saady advocated for a comprehensive approach to safeguarding journalistic integrity and resilience in an increasingly challenging media environment.

Resources:

• Safety Handbook by International Association of Women in Radio and Television 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hzUQeAs6M9NMyEJWOXdDePDbv4Y47ij9/view?usp=sharing