By Hanzala Fayaz
Journalism students from De Montfort University were given a behind-the-scenes look inside Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) during a visit to the organisation’s headquarters in Prague.
The visit offered an insight into how one of the world’s best-known international broadcasters operates while reporting for audiences living under censorship, conflict and political repression.
Before entering the headquarters, the students, who were on a five-day DMUGlobal trip to the city, experienced the extensive security measures that protect the organisation and its staff.
Passports were checked at the entrance to the secure compound before visitors passed through airport-style security screening. After reaching the main building, identification was checked again at reception before visitor passes were issued.
The group was welcomed by guide Jakub Tesař, who explained why such strict security procedures are necessary. He told students that RFE/RL journalists have faced threats and assassinations over many years because of the work they do, leading the organisation to strengthen security over the years.
Visitors were also informed that photography inside editorial areas was prohibited to protect staff and reduce potential security risks.
While waiting in the reception area, students were shown the memorial wall dedicated to their journalists who have been killed while carrying out their work since its foundation in 1949. Displaying photographs and the names of reporters who lost their lives, the memorial served as a reminder of the dangers journalists continue to face in many parts of the world simply for reporting the truth.
The visit continued with a presentation outlining the history of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Founded during the Cold War, the broadcaster was established to provide independent news and information to audiences living behind the Iron Curtain where access to free media was heavily restricted.
Today, RFE/RL continues that mission by reporting in more than 20 languages to countries where press freedom is limited or where independent journalism is under threat. From its headquarters in Prague, journalists produce news for audiences across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East and countries including Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Russia and Ukraine.
Students also learned why Prague became the organisation’s home. After operating from Munich for several decades, RFE/RL moved its headquarters to the Czech capital in the mid-1990s following an invitation from former Czech President Václav Havel, whose support for democracy and freedom of expression reflected the organisation’s mission.
Following the presentation, students took part in a question-and-answer session before being joined by investigative journalist Daniela Calmis from Moldova, who is currently part of the Václav Havel Journalism Fellowship programme.
The fellowship supports aspiring journalists from Eastern Europe by giving them the opportunity to spend several months working alongside experienced reporters at RFE/RL while developing practical skills in independent journalism.
Calmis spoke about her work as an investigative journalist and described some of the methods required when reporting sensitive stories, including occasions where working undercover becomes necessary to uncover information that would otherwise remain hidden.
Her enthusiasm for investigative reporting and commitment to exposing important stories gave students an insight into the realities of journalism in countries where reporters often face significant challenges.
As part of the visit, students also watched the story of Afghan journalist Farida Sial, who now reports from Prague after leaving Afghanistan.
She continues to report for Afghan audiences, particularly focusing on the experiences of women and girls who have been denied access to education under Taliban rule.
Her story demonstrated how journalism can continue across borders, allowing reporters in exile to provide independent news for people who may otherwise have little access to reliable information.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the organisation’s facilities. Students were shown radio studios, television studios and the main newsroom, where journalists were producing news for multiple countries throughout the day.
Giant television screens displayed rolling international news coverage, while reporters worked across different language services to keep audiences informed of events around the world.
For the students, the visit offered far more than just a tour of a newsroom. It provided a first-hand look at the responsibilities, risks and importance of independent journalism in societies where press freedom cannot be taken for granted.
From the tight security surrounding the headquarters, to the stories shared by journalists working on the front line of international reporting, the experience highlighted the vital role organisations such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty continue to play in giving a voice to people living under censorship and oppression.
