In the first episode of The Backstory, we start with the basics: the threats facing journalists worldwide. Too often, journalists put safety aside to “get” the story; editors don’t anticipate the problems that their reporters or their newsrooms can face. How can journalists be prepared? What should editors think about?

As militias around the world see a rise in power and influence, journalist safety has become a growing concern. In all corners of the globe, journalists must navigate armed groups, organized criminal gangs and terrorist organizations in order to report the truth.