Over 100 professionals were killed in 2004 in conflict zones. The safety of journalists has become a crucial concern for chief editors and their teams. Preventive training is an essential first step to an integrated solution.  

HEST - Hostile Environment Safety Training - was set up by EBU International Training in 2004. It is a course that fits 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 have also been thought through. 

Together with war reporters and safety experts, EBU International Training has identified 4 fundamental principles:

1. the course gives journalists the means  to better evaluate the risks they run when working in war zones; 
2. the course concentrates on key aspects of security in a dynamic, practical and interesting manner;   
3. 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: feed point is at 6.00 pm.   
4. the course helps reporters to take the right decisions swiftly while managing huge stress. An error of judgement can be fatal to their health, their safety or even their life and that of those who work with them.          

>> get more info on upcoming HEST courses  (includes the registration form)                            

>> overall presentation of the course

>> an insider's view (former participants tell their story about HEST)

>> picture gallery