Anadolu Agency Equips Reporters With War Zone Training

Twenty-five journalists were awarded internationally recognized certificates Friday at the conclusion of Anadolu Agency's sixth War Journalism Certificate Program in the capital Ankara.



The 12-day program co-organized by Anadolu Agency and the Turkish Police Academy was aimed at training correspondents to be ready to face dangers that may arise during reporting in emergency situations and conditions of war and natural disasters.



Cihangir Isbilir, vice coordinator of the agency's News Academy, told the graduation ceremony that last year more than 100 journalists lost their lives in conflict zones.



"Our priority is to protect the lives of our reporters," Isbilir said, stressing the importance of remaining alive while bringing accurate news and images out of conflict zones.



Isbilir said that together with Anadolu Agency, the News Academy and especially the War Journalism Training Program are making a name for themselves.



Speaking at the ceremony, News Academy Vice Coordinator Hayri Cetinkus said that journalists were given 110 hours of training on 26 topics, including personal security, first aid, advanced driving techniques, water survival techniques, and navigation.



Cetinkus added that Anadolu Agency never sends untrained journalists to conflict zones.



Firat Yurdakul, the agency's photo news editor, underlined the importance of training, as reporters need to be on the front lines to capture the best photos and videos.



The courses included theoretical and practical components. Experienced police and Turkish Armed Forces personnel in Ankara gave participants tips about how to react in critical zones.



The program also gave training in news writing, photos, and shooting video in extraordinary situations and how to quickly transmit them to news centers.



Anadolu Agency is among few global media institutions offering a program in war journalism. -