LAHORE: Forman Christian College (A Chartered University)’s Department of Mass Communication is hosting a four-day workshop on “Journalists’ safety During Conflicts and Working on Sensitive Issues”, from April 19 to April 22.
The trainers of the workshop are Dr. Altaf Ullah Khan, Dean of Humanities and Professor of Mass Communication at FCCU, Dr. Abeer Saady, War Correspondent, Researcher and Media trainer Mr. Umer Farooq, a journalist at Voice of America (VOA).
Dr. Altaf gave a keynote speech at the start and stated, “On-ground training is different from the classroom. Thus, this training is crucial for conflict journalists to understand and follow through with the SOPs while reporting from war zones.”
Dr. Abeer Saady conducted the sessions on the first day where she discussed a holistic approach to the safety and security of journalists. The digital security of journalists was discussed and participants were warned about how online harassment and threats are rampant and can be used against them if they are doing a scoop which might not be taken lightly by some parties. Thus, they should manage their social media accounts and only reveal their scoops once their safety as a journalist is ensured and their story is published.
Dr Abeer stated, “safety comes first; good shots or scoops are not worthy at the cost of your life.” She also shared some ways to secure social media platforms. Moreover, the Do’s and Don’ts of Journalists in Hostile Environments were also discussed.
Finally, a safety pyramid comprising physical, digital and psychological abuse was shared with various factors that come within this pyramid were shared.
