When the Classroom Meets the Crisis: Regina McCombs on Preparing Reporters for Risk
From Foreign Press Podcast by Foreign Press USA
February 25, 2026 · 31 min
About this episode
Regina McCombs discusses the evolving landscape of journalism education and the importance of preparing reporters for real-world risks.
In Minnesota, journalism students are preparing for a reality few classrooms once imagined. Senior lecturer Regina McCombs discusses how today’s reporters must navigate not only misinformation and AI-generated media, but also real-world safety risks. Through the new Crisis Ready Media initiative, students are receiving training typically reserved for professionals covering conflict zones. The program includes hostile-environment awareness and first-aid instruction designed to help journalists make smart decisions in volatile situations. Organized alongside local newsroom partners, the training reflects the pressures facing reporters amid ICE operations and protests in Minneapolis. McCombs explains why preparation, ethics, and verification matter more than ever in an era of disinformation. Participation is voluntary, underscoring that safety and choice remain central to the program’s mission. This episode explores how journalism education is evolving — and what it means for the next generation of reporters. This interview was conducted by Alan Herrera, who oversees AFPC-USA's editorial operations.
People in this episode
Host: Alan Herrera
Guest: Regina McCombs
Topics covered
- journalism education
- reporter safety
- misinformation
- Crisis Ready Media initiative
- training for journalists
- volatile situations
- disinformation
Keywords
- journalism
- reporters
- Crisis Ready Media
- safety training
- disinformation
- Minnesota
- hostile environments
- first-aid instruction
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Crisis Ready Media, Foreign Press USA
Places: Minnesota, Minneapolis
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