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.”
December 05, 2024: UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
December 04, 2024: A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.
November 30, 2024: Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.
November 30, 2024: Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.
November 30, 2024: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.
November 29, 2024: The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.
November 29, 2024: Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.
November 29, 2024: WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.
December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.
December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.
December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.
November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.
November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.