The specific answer to the OP is that correspondents working for major media outlets do have the opportunity to get training on safety and security. There are courses that are offered by qualified security experts that do help these people. Due to the expense, though, many journalists do not get this training. From what I can see, most journalists learn to "stay safe" by learning tips and tricks from their peers. This type of learning is no substitute for proper training, unfortunately.

There is a very real and wide gap between reporters and security professionals. It starts from the time when people were young. The kids who went into security were the ones who could keep a secret. The kids who went into journalism loved to hear and tell stories, and couldn't keep their mouth shut.

A good example of the problem is Syria. Many journalists being held as prisoners there now.

pete