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EBU Hostile Environment Training


The safety of journalists has become a crucial concern for chief editors and their teams, and preventive training is an essential first step for an integrated solution. HEST - Hostile Environment Safety Training - was set up by EBU International Training in 2004 to address this need.

HEST courses fit with the demanding work of journalists. Through a mix of hands-on exercises, presentations, discussions and role plays, reporters are trained during four days on how to face danger and how to overcome the ensuing risks. This course is for in-house as well as freelance reporters who work for Radio and Television. The concerns of female journalists are also addressed. Together with war reporters and safety experts, EBU International Training has identified four fundamental principles : The course gives journalists the means to better evaluate the risks they run while working in war zones; The course concentrates on key aspects of security in a dynamic, practical and interesting manner; The journalists are put into real time situations: they are confronted with danger while doing their job. They must cover an event for their radio or television and work under time pressure. The course helps reporters to take the right decisions swiftly while managing huge stress. An error of judgement can be fatal to their health, safety or even life, and that of those who work with them. HEST courses are offered throughout the year, with 2007 sessions on 16-20 April and 17-21 September. The 2008 sessions are planned for April and September, exact dates tba. Further information is available here.