Helping journalists prepare for the realities of reporting during war
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, journalists have continued to report from one of the world’s most dangerous and complex operating environments. Alongside the risks associated with conflict reporting, media professionals have faced challenges including artillery attacks, unexploded ordnance, digital threats, disrupted communications, hostile checkpoints and the psychological impact of prolonged exposure to war.
Recognising these challenges, Lazarus Training was selected to support a specialist journalist safety programme organised by the Association of Independent Regional Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPU).
The programme formed part of the International Journalists’ Insurance Fund project, supported by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) and the European Union’s EU4IM initiative. (airpu.org –)
Preparing journalists for real-world challenges
The programme was designed to help journalists working throughout Ukraine prepare for the practical risks they may encounter during assignments.
Training combined classroom learning with practical exercises and focused on developing sound judgement, personal resilience and practical skills that could be applied immediately in the field.
Topics included:
- Assignment planning and risk assessment
- Personal safety and travel security
- Casualty assessment and emergency first aid
- Airway management and life-threatening bleeding
- Digital and information security
- Secure communications
- Managing confrontation and personal conflict
- Weapons effects and reacting to incoming fire
- Landmine and explosive hazard awareness
- Psychological resilience and understanding trauma
The emphasis throughout the programme was on practical decision-making and preparing journalists to recognise hazards early, reduce risk and respond effectively during emergencies. (airpu.org –)
A holistic approach to journalist safety
Modern journalist safety extends far beyond hostile environment awareness alone.
Today’s journalists must be able to manage physical, medical and digital risks while continuing to report accurately under pressure.
The Ukrainian programme reflected this integrated approach by combining:
- Personal safety
- Medical preparedness
- Digital security awareness
- Communications planning
- Assignment preparation
- Human factors and decision-making
This holistic model now forms part of the Lazarus Journalist Safety Programme and continues to inform the development of our FIRM (First Response & International Risk Management) course.
Working with trusted partners
Lazarus Training was proud to contribute to this important initiative alongside the Association of Independent Regional Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPU) and its international partners.
The programme demonstrates the value of collaboration between journalist support organisations, media development partners and specialist training providers in strengthening the safety and resilience of journalists working in high-risk environments.
Continuing to develop journalist safety
The experience gained through supporting Ukrainian journalists has helped shape the continued development of the Lazarus Journalist Safety Programme.
Lessons learned from Ukraine, together with programmes delivered in Ghana, Kosovo, the Philippines and Central Asia, continue to influence our training, ensuring it reflects the evolving realities faced by journalists around the world.
Learn more
Interested in developing the safety capability of your journalists or media organisation?
Explore our:
- Journalist Safety Programme
- FIRM – First Response & International Risk Management
- Hostile Environment Awareness Training
- Medical Training for Journalists
Or contact Lazarus Training to discuss a programme tailored to your organisation.
External reference
This programme was announced by the Association of Independent Regional Publishers of Ukraine as part of the International Journalists’ Insurance Fund project.
Read the original announcement here: