Azernews.Az

The fourth session on “Training journalists for a multi-media future” of the 5th News Agencies World Congress has today been held in Heydar Aliyev Center, Azertac reported.

It was moderated by Secretary General of the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) Farid Ayar.

Panelists at the session included Global Head of Training at DMA-Media Joanne Lin Weir, member of AFP Global News Management Erik Wishart, CEO of Notimex Alejandro Ramos Esquivel, Deputy Managing Editor of LA Times Scott Kraft and UNESCO Deputy Director General Getachew Engida.

Joanne Lin Weir spoke about the widespread use of mobile journalism. “It is important to hold courses on social media journalism. The media should invest in this field and organize courses for young journalists in this regard.”

In his speech, Erik Wishart noted that non-professional young people starts their journalistic activities through social media.

“These young people should attend trainings regarding the preparation of news and reportages. They should have information about the photos that could negatively influence the families of victims while used in the news. They should honor ethic rules. Turkish media disseminated the photo of drowned Syrian refugee boy Alan that increased the world community’s attention towards the migrant problem. It was one of the rare photos,” he added.

Alejandro Ramos Esquivel underlined major changes in technology and said the internet has opened the way to a global change.

“Today, smartphones serve as the main source of news. The number of TV and radio audience is decreasing, revenues of traditional media outlets are declining. Conventional media is fading out.”

Delivering a speech at the panel session, Scott Kraft stressed the role of journalist in recent presidential election in the US.

“We are trying to thoroughly investigate an important event and disseminate true information. We should be operative. Great political events like elections, terrorist attacks are printed on the main page of outlets. Templates should be used in promptly disseminating true news,” he said.

UNESCO Deputy Director General Getachew Engida said global change has begun in journalism.

“The process of training journalists has changed. We should keep away from traditional journalism. The development of new technologies raises the issue of security. Training of journalists must be started with fundamental knowledge. UNESCO is holding sufficient trainings in this regard.”

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