Live News Africa -- A Survival Guide for Journalists

The increasing number of journalists killed in Africa because of their work is a source of grave concern.

The International News Safety Institute recorded 199 journalists and support staff who have died at work in Africa between 1990 and 2006. Eighteen have died in just the first six months of this year, the worst situation since 1999.

In this context, INSI, in association with the International Federation of Journalists, today launched Live News Africa, a guide to help journalists and other news professionals anticipate danger and to reduce risk during hazardous assignments on the continent.

The 100-page manual deals with themes such as covering wars and other conflicts, disturbances and disasters, as well as coping with kidnapping, medical emergencies and post-traumatic stress.

Information in Live News Africa comes from professional safety trainers, experienced African war correspondents and trauma specialists.

“As our organisation cannot yet provide face-to-face training for all journalists in need, Live News Africa is a precious tool for news teams in dangerous areas,” said INSI Director Rodney Pinder. “Most journalists at risk around the world are not international war correspondents but natives of their own countries, working without proper training and equipment or any other protection.”

Live News Africa is a joint publication of INSI and the IFJ, supported by funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

“It’s a book that should not only be read by journalists and news staff but also by editors and all the others media managers for them to be more sensitised on the culture of safety,” said IFJ Africa Director Gabriel Baglo.

Copies of Live News Africa can be obtained from INSI’s Headquarters in Brussels, e-mail [email protected] and from the INSI Africa Regional office in Senegal, email [email protected]

An electronic version is available in English on the INSI website www.newssafety.com and the IFJ website www.ifj.org

Click here for the report.

Any inquiries on this news release should be addressed to:
Sarah de Jong at [email protected].
Gabriel Baglo at [email protected].