On the first day the journalists learned how to focus on the news and explain the “so what” element of a story. On day two, they practised headline writing techniques, to ensure the headline included an active verb and was short and clear. We also discussed the main economic issues in Myanmar, and the challenges of reporting on financial markets.
Guest speaker Jared Ferrie – Thomson Reuters’ new correspondent in Yangon – also addressed the group to describe how to report on Myanmar for a global audience.
In the middle of the course, legal dangers were the focus: defamation, copyright and contempt of court. The journalists honed their interview skills with trainers Belinda Goldsmith and Ros Russell from Thomson Reuters Foundation who role-played as politicians and business leaders. On day four, the participants debated ethical dilemmas in journalism and took part in an exciting breaking news drill about a fictitious plane crash. The exercise allowed the group to practise teamwork, speed, accuracy and interviewing skills.
On the final day of the workshop, the journalists heard from another guest speaker, Declan Magee - an economist from the British development agency DFID. They also held an interesting discussion about the future direction of Myanmar’s fast-growing economy. It was a busy final day, as the trainers and participants also discussed the importance and pitfalls of social media and the likely rise of Twitter in Myanmar.
During the workshop, the journalists all made a short documentary on the streets of Yangon, which highlighted topical issues in Myanmar’s biggest city, such as media freedom, the rising cost of electricity, religion and politics ahead of 2015 elections.
The British Council hosted the course in Yangon, organising the venue and logistics. Kevin Mackenzie, the director of the British Council in Myanmar, presented the participants with their certificates at the end of a fun and successful week.
source: TRUST
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