Journalists Training report
- October 25, 2013, 8:10 pm
- National News
- 130 Views
QUETTA: Reporting from conflict zones can become less dangerous if journalists start adhering to golden principles of impartiality, diversification and ensuring accuracy of information by balancing their narratives and giving voice to marginalised and peaceful segments of society.
Print and Radio Journalists from across Balochistan were trained through various activities and role plays in these key thematic areas in a three day workshop titled "responsible journalism" from conflict zones. The workshop was organised by Pakistan Press Foundation here at a local hotel. Lead trainer Saeed Minhas with Co trainer Rashid Ali spent three days with these journalists to practice safe and developmental journalism. Topics covered during various sessions of the workshop included developing credible and verifiable news reports and Radio shows.
Journalists had to develop radio and print news, features and talk shows during the course of the workshop to practice the art of tapping multiple sources, interviewing skills and technical aspects of editing, sound quality and responsible use of language in the given socio cultural context of their surroundings. Credibility of sources, framing of issues, respect for the journalistic ethics, national institutions and authenticity of a given news item were covered through various interactive sessions. journalists filed reports and conduct interviews in the framework of the said workshop. Moreover they have been taught about diagnosing the problem, Art of storytelling for radio and print, basics of audio recording, communication skills in a conflict situation and ethics of conflict reporting.
At the end of the three-day long event, the participants appreciated the organizers of the workshop and termed it enlightening, motivational and a rich learning experience. They were of the view that the workshop had widened their understanding of issues related to responsible journalism and conflict reporting. "Once we will go back to our respective districts, we will strive to dig out news reports more responsibly, accurately and sensitively," commented a group of participants. At least twenty journalists hailing from different districts,different print and electronic media outlets and mass communication department students attended the three-day long event to refresh their learnings and equip them with new skills required to carry out journalistic duties in a safe and ethical manner.
Senior journalist Saeed Minhas urged upon journalist to do is impartial while working as a journalist in a conflict zone. “The only thing to save your life in a conflict zone is your impartiality, authenticity of information and your approach towards issues confronting your immediate communityâ€. he added.
Apart from journalist student from the Mass Communication department of local university also attended the workshop. Javeria the student of SBK Women University said this was her first ever experience to attend a hands on training workshop. “All the students have learnt more practical things about safe and ethical reporting in these three days," She responded when asked to comment about her learning experience.
Society of protection of journalists and PPF have issued various reports which reveals the province of Balochistan as one of the most dangerous places for working journalists. Their figures reveal that increasing violence against journalists in this province as already claimed the lives of more than two dozen journalists since 2001. These organisations believe that Balochistan is transformed into a minefield for journalist."It has become an alarmingsituation for journalists and thats why we are striving to help them in developing safe skills through such workshops," commented senior coordinator of PPF, Dure Shahwar while concluding the three day workshop here on Thursday.
