Anadolu Agency's 16th war journalism program sets off

By Meryem Goktas

ANKARA (AA) - Anadolu Agency’s 16th war journalism training program began on Monday in the capital Ankara under the supervision of the agency’s news academy.

Anadolu Agency’s News Academy will train correspondents in collaboration with the Turkish Police Academy, Security Directorate General, Armed Forces, and Disaster Management Agency (AFAD).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Cihangir Isbilir, manager of Anadolu Agency News Academy, said the program aims to prepare correspondents to face dangers that may arise while reporting under emergency situations such as war, natural disasters and chemical attacks.

Underlining that the 12-day-long intensive program would benefit correspondents professionally, Isbilir said it would expand their abilities to work on the ground.

The program includes training in areas such as journalism under pressure, personal security, the laws of war, first aid, advanced driving techniques, water survival techniques, chemical and biological attacks and media management in hostile environments.

The program -- which includes the agency correspondents from different regions including Palestine, Ethiopia and Azerbaijan -- will continue until Sept. 6.

Successful participants will be awarded internationally-recognized certificates.