Media Training Tackles the Hard Topics (May 14, 2012)

May 14, 2012

Group Photograph with trainer Ron Wimer, Embassy officials and workshop participants. Embassy Photo by Sani Mohammed

On May 14, 2012, Country Public Affairs Officer Melissa Ford opened a four-day advanced practical training workshop for 24 Radio/TV reporters, news producers and cameramen from key Nigerian media institutions across the country.

The May 14 – 17 U. S. Embassy Public Affairs Section sponsored workshop was taught by international media consultant Mr. Ronald Wimer in Abuja.

The aim of the practical training was to provide the 24 journalists with professional reporting skills and adequate knowledge to help them carryout their duties more professionally and objectively.  While addressing the journalists, Ford challenged them to use what they learn in promoting a free and independent press that will hold elected officials accountable, and strengthen democratic practices and institutions.

Topics during the four-day advanced workshop included issues of credibility in journalism, press releases, interviews, hard news reporting, enterprise or investigative journalism, and journalism ethics among others.

The 24 journalists also had the opportunity to participate in the Media Hub telephonic conference call with Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson. Unique to this workshop, most of the participating media were drawn from outside Abuja and hardly have the opportunity to interact with such a high level U.S. diplomat. Some of the reports the participants made on the interview with Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson during the course of training were aired by their stations which further amplify USG policy on Africa and Nigeria in particular.

The participating journalists were able to ask Information officer, Deborah Ann MacLean additional questions and received clarification about USG policy on issues like U.S. energy policy in Nigeria, the issue of same sex marriage and Northern Nigeria development assistance.

On the last day of the workshop, CPAO Melissa Ford delivered her closing remarks and presented certificates to the 24 participating journalists of the May 14 -17 Radio- TV Workshop. She encouraged the participants to use what they learn from the workshop in promoting democracy and good governance, and to share these tools with their colleagues.