Twenty-five Libyan journalists sharpened their reporting skills during a five-day training course run by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) in Tunis.
This course, part of series of workshops designed to support Libya’s hard-pressed media sector, was attended mainly by experienced reporters and editors from all across the country, including the eastern and southern regions. The content was tailored accordingly, with practical sessions that built on theoretical learning and group discussions.
“Although I am experienced, I’m going to take this training as a starting point,” said Ashraf Abdul Wahab, a senior correspondent with the English-language Libya Herald.
As well as working on their basic reporting and writing, the trainees also came away with more advanced skills such as data analysis, features writing techniques, and creating editorial packages, all with the aim of helping them produce more engaging stories for print and broadcast.
“My daily job is primarily news writing and editing, and from now on I’m going to think and write in a better way,” said Ainour Sabri, an editor with Ajwaa Radio in Tripoli.
The training was one in a series of workshops and presentations given over 12 days by IWPR, BBC Media Action, and Reporters Without Borders. The gathering of trainees and international experts was the largest joint initiative of its kind for Libyan journalists.
Other modules covered safety and security techniques for front-line reporters, and specialised video production classes for broadcast news and features.
“It is absolutely essential that the international community continues to engage with Libyans, and IWPR remains committed to supporting media in Libya,” said IWPR Libya Country Director Seth Meixner. “These trainings (sic) are a perfect example of the cooperative approach by international organisations that results in meaningful and relevant interaction with our Libyan partners during this incredibly challenging time.”
The training workshops were supported by the US Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union.
For further information, please contact: IWPR Libya Country Director Seth Meixner.
(Source: IWPR)
