War correspondent shares 6 experiences reporting on conflict

Backhaus was living in Egypt when the Arab Spring broke out in the early 2010s. Covering the uprisings and protests later spurred her to pursue a career as a war correspondent, which later took her to conflict zones in Ukraine and Palestine.

War correspondent shares 6 experiences reporting on conflicts image 1 — Illustration: Shutterstock

Be careful in public

In her work, Backhaus has had her phone tapped, her street followed, and her body attacked by men. These are very real dangers that journalists, especially female journalists, must anticipate.

Sources are also at great risk. Backhaus has seen some of her interviewees arrested shortly after their conversation. Think twice about conducting interviews in public areas where you could easily become a target.

“Never become a story or sacrifice yourself for the sake of the story,” she advised. “Also, be aware of situations where violence may erupt, as armed soldiers may feel insecure. Don’t approach them thoughtlessly.”

Trained

Hostile environment training is important, not only because it teaches you what to do if you are kidnapped or injured. These role-playing exercises help build mental resilience, but they also help you determine if you are suited for the job.

“If you are in a dangerous situation, you need to act,” Backhaus explains. “First aid is an underrated skill that can make a difference in a critical moment.”

"No one and nothing can prepare you for such escalating violence and tension. It's something you have to experience for yourself and see if you can handle it," the war correspondent added.

“Escort” or “non-escort”

Many reporters have gained access to conflict zones like Gaza through “escorts,” which means going into the conflict zone with the military. But there are many trade-offs.

“It doesn't show the whole picture, it just shows you a very small point and what they want you to see,” Backhaus explains.

"You're not allowed to talk to civilians... It's a very choreographed situation and that's not independent journalism. I'm not saying it's completely wrong, but that's not what I do."

Go with trusted colleagues

Journalists will need a lot of teammates, like translators, drivers, and producers. This can be overlooked at first, but try to work with people you can really trust.

War correspondent shares 6 experiences reporting on conflicts image 2 — Female war correspondent Andrea Backhaus. Photo: Journalism

“It's a life-or-death situation, you rely a lot on your teammates, so now I spend more time figuring out who I want to work with,” she advises.

Don't take it personally

Backhaus recently interviewed a Hamas leader, and it took weeks to get results. She was accused of being an Israeli spy, he refused to shake her hand because she was a woman, and she was eventually thrown out mid-interview.

But she was prepared for all of this. Hostility is rarely personal. Understand that you are simply an extension of your own department or country. “I know it’s not about Andrea, it’s about me representing the Western media and Western governments.”

"Standing in the middle of the battle line"

Journalists covering polarized conflicts can face abuse from both sides when their reporting does not align with either side.

“I am not an activist, protesting, waving flags or calling for boycotts, that is not my role,” Backhaus said, adding that speaking to one side could lead to attacks and attention from the other.

It can be a lonely and isolating place, she added, emphasizing the need for a strong support network and healthy coping mechanisms. Backhaus has seen colleagues turn to alcohol or put themselves in unnecessary danger as a way to cope.

As you get older and wiser, you learn to understand and accept your limitations. Self-care is essential, and so when she returns from a trip, she reconnects with friends and family and stops monitoring conflict by turning off social media and not reading comments on news stories.

Hoang Hai (according to Journalism)

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