Deep-dive course enables journalists to brush up on essential skills

Sharjah-UAE: 23 March, 2017 – The Thomson Reuters Foundation is facilitating a two-day workshop aimed at improving journalists’ skills on the sidelines of the sixth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017), currently underway at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Titled ‘Writing and Reporting News’, the intensive workshop is led by Mathieu Robbin and Saad Hattar, seasoned journalists with over 20 years of cumulative experience and training consultants at the Thomson Reuters Foundation. In line with Thomson Reuters methodology, it provides budding journalists with the tools needed to produce accurate and comprehensive stories. 

The workshop features practical exercises with a focus on improving accuracy and transparency among the journalists in attendance. In addition, it provides a framework for the participants to recognise their inner potential and refine their skills. Journalists also get an insight into the legal risks and ethical standards associated with the profession.  

Saad Hattar said: “The workshop gives journalists and media professionals an opportunity to revisit basic principles of journalism. Our goal is to share our decades of industry insight, create a platform for exchanging tips and show the participants what is needed to take journalism to the next level.”           

For his part, Mathieu Robbin said: “My goal is for journalists to come away from this workshop with a few key learnings. First, they must always write with their readers’ best interest at heart. Second, they should do their best to keep the stories interesting and relevant. Finally, they should never be afraid to ask the hard questions.”              

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the sixth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) runs from March 22 to 23. Themed ‘Societal Participation…Comprehensive Development’, IGCF 2017 examines how the world’s nations can leverage effective government communication to achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs), which have become the top priority of government programmes, international institutions, media organisations and civil society.

Offering a transparent platform to examine current issues and formulate recommendations to help governments optimise the impact of their communication, IGCF 2017 convenes more than 2,500 local and international personalities from the ranks of government officials, experts, thought leaders, and government communication professionals.

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© Press Release 2017