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A genuine forum for information and dialogue on security, the blog is intended to be used by AFP’s own teams as well as by the editorial managements of major media who send staff to cover news on the ground.  Users must comply with a “good conduct charter” which requires them to keep the information in the blog confidential.

The blog, based on the extensive on-the-ground experience of AFP’s teams, discusses security in the broad sense – the risks, both physical and psychological, faced by reporters covering the news as well as by photo and video editors who increasingly have to handle extremely violent images.  

It provides standard guidelines as well as specific, constantly updated recommendations on covering current crises (Ebola, Iraq and Ukraine today).  These recommendations range from what itinerary to follow to what hotel to use and what equipment to take.     
The blog also features accounts of journalists’ experiences during past crises and the kinds of events that are likely to reoccur, such as mass hostage takings and natural disasters. It provides set guidelines on a variety of issues such as secure transmissions and what a reporter’s travel bag should contain.  Video tutorials on topics such as protective gear are also posted.     

“In an environment that is increasingly risky for journalists on the ground, AFP has made security its top priority, investing in training and equipment to ensure the protection of its staff.  This blog complements our major efforts in this area, the objective being to share our experience and in particular to provide the entire community of journalists with the information that is essential to the safe operation of their missions”, said Emmanuel Hoog, President and CEO of AFP.  

This tool will be enriched with contributions from AFP staff and from the Agency’s media clients who are asked to share their experiences, comments and questions. The blog also links to the websites of various experts, specialist centres, institutions and associations.                             
French and English editions of the blog are currently live, and content in AFP’s other working languages (Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and German) will be added in the future.


About AFP
AFP is a global news agency delivering fast, accurate, in-depth coverage of the events shaping our world from conflicts to politics, sports, entertainment and the latest breakthroughs in health, science and technology. With 2,260 staff spread across almost every country, AFP covers the world 24 hours a day in six languages. AFP delivers the news in video, text, photos, multimedia and graphics to a wide range of customers including newspapers and magazines, radio and TV channels, web sites and portals, mobile operators, corporate clients as well as public institutions.