JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 24, 2012
Join our WhatsApp channel
LAHORE: Pakistani reporters get but a few opportunities to learn the real skills of their profession from a genuine expert. On Monday, some 60 journalists and journalism students in Lahore were lucky that they had Professor Dr. Sherry Ricchiardi, the celebrated media trainer, journalist and author from Indiana University, demonstrate to them that there is always something left to learn in journalism.
The two-day training course was organized by the US Consulate General and focused on media ethics, investigative skills and fundamentals of journalism. While the first day was reserved for media professionals the second was specifically for students.
The US Consulate hosted the training as part of its regular support for strengthening media freedom and journalism capacity building in the Pakistan.
The participants were all praise for Dr. Ricchiardi’s methods and said the training was informative and inspiring. One seasoned journalist remarked: “I came here because I was signed up to. But, now I’m glad I did. There is so much I did not know about investigative journalism and media ethics. Dr. Ricchiardi was superb.”
Another journalist said it was good that the Consulate was taking such initiatives as neither investigative journalism nor ethics came into play much in the media in Pakistan. “These are important components of the profession and it’s good we are finally recognizing that they are essential for the development of journalism in Pakistan.”
Besides ethics, the course also included interviewing skills, evaluating sources, accuracy and balance in reporting as well as investigation methods. The workshops involved case studies, practical exercises, and active participation.
“The biggest problem we have here is that our seniors keep their skills and knowledge to themselves. They are selfish because they are insecure,” said a young reporter, “but then again… perhaps they don’t know much either. What we learned here today was not only helpful but has inspired me to make journalism my fulltime profession. I was seriously considering quitting the profession, but not now.”
May 15, 2025: Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.
May 12, 2025: PFUJ pays tribute to journalists flogged under General Zia’s martial law in 1978, vowing to resist modern censorship and uphold press freedom in Pakistan.
May 09, 2025: In a bizarre media meltdown, Indian TV channels declared war on Pakistan, claimed imaginary victories and pushed fake narratives—leaving even Indian viewers stunned and apologetic.
May 05, 2025: India has banned prominent Pakistani journalist Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel, expanding its crackdown on 16 other Pakistani media outlets. The move follows accusations of "false narratives" against India.
May 03, 2025: Pakistan's press freedom under severe threat as PFUJ condemns repressive laws and systematic journalist harassment on World Press Freedom Day. Union reports journalist killings, financial targeting, and government failure to implement safety measures.
May 02, 2025: Dawn has strongly denied publishing any report claiming that TTP stole a PAF F-16 fighter jet, labeling the viral screenshot as fake and digitally manipulated.
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?