Activity Details (ID# 4608)

Activity Synopsis

The aim of this workshop was twofold: firstly to provide journalists with key elements to strengthen news coverage and secondly to give journalists editorial tools for visual storytelling 

This was a three-day workshop where journalists and cameramen from local stations of Russian Television (RTR) worked on the necessary elements to make stronger and better News stories. 7 modules were taught: Visual storytelling, Interviewing and listening techniques, Conflicts of Interest, Political News, The Power of News Graphics, TV natural sound, discussion & critique of stories. A News story is a sophisticated combination of skills and these 7 modules ensure that the journalists get the fundamentals in order to build a solid news story.

Each module is a combination of case studies prepared by the trainers which illustrate the topic together with exercises made either in small group or individually. The module was followed by discussions. Each module ended with a presentation of principles given to the participants. The method used is ''showing, doing and learning''.

The discussions were very vivid.

The programme initially planned was completely delivered. Some modules were more successful than others (Interviewing and conflicts of interest got high marks) and the questionnaire given to participants at the end showed the good results.

The decision to include camera/journalist teams was a very good idea and it is especially important for regional stations as these teams work together every day. 93.3% participants were completely satisfied with the workshop and it completely met the expectations of 46.7% of the participants.

The support from the local host station was friendly and helpful.

 

This workshop was the second News workshop organized with RTR after the successful Moscow workshop held in April 2002.
The journalists were enthusiastic and cooperative. One of the speakers mastered Russian language and his deep knowledge of the country and its customs, and his friendly, helpful manner was invaluable.

The Head of RTR International Relations, was there throughout and was glad of the results, this provided a important support to the project. There were also exchange of books and ideas. Thanks to the workshop, journalists could feel they belonged to a network and this is another fruitful impact of the workshop.
 

Journalists from RTR