Activity Details (ID# 4878)

Activity Synopsis

The project was originally aimed at training young professionals on investigative journalism. However, following the events which took place at the beginning of November 2003 in Georgia, the program was adapted to the urgent need of training professionals in how to cover election events.
The general aim of the course was to train young professionals, who already had a basic knowledge of journalism, in the fundamentals of TV journalism. The project put special emphasis on elections coverage, given the crucial role of media in covering elections events.
Furthermore, the training was aimed at involving active participation of journalists and cameramen from regional TV outlets, since they have less opportunities to participate in practical trainings than professionals from Tbilisi-based television stations.
Beyond the technical and journalistic training, one purpose of the seminar was to increase understanding and professional co-operation among regional journalists.
 

The seminar was devoted to intensive training and team building. Two experts, a French journalist and a Georgian technical trainer, led the seminar.
The training focused on the following elements: a) elections coverage/journalism and democracy; b) how to analyze a piece of news; c) the need of a perspective; d) how to tell a story; e) the importance of images; f) working in a team.
The training was based on teamwork. Each team was made up of three people: one producer, one reporter and one camera-operator. During the two weeks, each team produced (i.e. research, shoot, script and edit) one and a half minute video stories. The stories were discussed and corrected individually or collectively. The participants were allowed to let their individual reports be transmitted by their stations. The regional stations transmitted the reports during the week following the end of the seminar.

The purpose of increasing understanding and professional co-operation between journalists operating in different regions was achieved by focusing the journalistic activity of the seminar on issues which were peculiar or unique to every region.

At the end of the seminar the trainees were asked to evaluate through a questionnaire the quality of the course and the usefulness and applicability of the acquired skills. The majority of participants considered the seminar very interesting and useful for their future activities. They specially appreciated the presence of a foreign expert.
 

Internews plans to continue the training courses in co-operation with the Embassy of France in Tbilisi. These training courses will include both seminars in the premises of Internews in Tbilisi and on-site training courses in regional TV stations. These activities are planned for 2004. With regard to the parliamentary elections of 2004, Internews will again include elections coverage in the training schemes/programs. Internews solicits the participation and co-operation of the Media Division of the Council of Europe. 

8 journalists and 4 cameramen/tape editors