Practicing Journalists in Dominica will for the next six weeks have an opportunity to sharpen their skills through a Journalism course being offered by the Dominica State College (DSC).
The programme, which commences on Tuesday January 15, 2013 will be facilitated by British-born journalist Polly Pattullo.
Pattullo has had several years of experience working in the print media and at various news corporations including the BBC and the New York Times.
Dean of the Faculty of Education at the Dominica State College, Merrill Matthew said the programme has been designed to enhance the quality of journalism in Dominica.
“Several people in Dominica have been complaining about the quality of journalism be it in radio or television. The College thought it could help by bringing someone who has the knowledge and experience and skills at an international level who will assist our local journalists to operate at a level that is equal to people in the region and people at the international level,” he said.
Matthew says participants will be trained on interviewing and writing skills and how to identify news content.
“Miss Pattullo, during the six weeks, will seek to deal with a wide array of important issues as it relates to journalism. There will be sessions on what is news? What information do you give out, what information do you not give out? What about the question of fact verses opinion, what do you do with that, how do you deal with that? What are the ethical considerations when you are providing news? All these things are important in the business of journalism,” Matthew noted.
Matthew confirmed that sixteen local journalists have signed up for the programme and will be awarded certificates of accomplishment on successful completion.
“We are targeting mainly people who are practicing journalism. People who have a desire for journalism can also benefit tremendously from this course. The whole idea is really to equip people who are practicing journalism with a higher level of skill,” Matthew remarked.
The journalism programme will be held at the State College Bath Estate Campus every Tuesday beginning January 15th 2013, from 5:00 p.m- 8:00 p.m.
…POLLY who? Never heard of her!
AMEN! I hope they offering it at a discount too. Next training needed is for Politicians: leading party, and opposition party memebers. VERY NECESSARY
why does there need to be a discount. if you want to improve yourself then you pay for it. why are we always looking for a handout. this course is directed to working people. they should no have a problem in investing in themselves and if they do, then they do not deserve the course
Can the chick from Marpin 8pm News learn just these words, “In other news” before she moves to another segment without a beat? Ugh! Thank you very much.
actually that may have to do more with editing…ugh! I feel your pain. It’s like whiplash from one story to another.
Hope all those Journalists in the various radio and TV stations, sttend this course, because the kind of things i hearing on the those stations, hurts my ears, makes me want to gag sometimes and and laugh most of the times. I note that i no longer have to see one of them on TV, winking at me,if the other one wld stop sayin “Well” while reading the news, some would learn to pronounce properly and find out the facts/truth of a story before running to air or call in…the Course would be a worth it and a blessing!
Those who sign up will be very fortunate because they will have a very experienced and dedicated tutor who has worked for years in the international press.
It should include internet too!
Amen, it was about time
Amen. I hope all those so called journalist from Q95 show up.
Who ever told you that those “journalists” are interested in being journalists?
@Peeping Tom January 15, 2013
I know what you mean, but would it not be better to say: “Whoever told you that those
“journalists” are interested in “journalism”? Just an observation!
You criticize Q95 Journalist yet they seem to be the most impactful and well listened to, journalist in this country. This is based on the fact that people like you, make so much reference to them and their stories whilst virtually ignoring the other providers.
PT you need to stfu. you are a nuisance!
Sure, lizavier4Jesus. By all means.
Lang Dough, if you are correct that Q95 “journalists” are among the “most-listened” to in Dominica it is not because of quality journalism, i can assure you. It is because everyone is always wondering “what will they say next?” It is in search of the next beff, the next shock effect, Lang Dough. Q95 caters to our innermost animal desires for unrestrained verbal diarrhea and the occasional desire to scream and be vulgar and rude in a public forum. You know, in some places in the world you pay to go to certain rooms to shout obscenities and slander and just let out steam…just to give in to our most basic animal sentiments. In Dominica, Q95 serves that function. Note that it is the only media house in Dominica where you can pretty much get away with saying anything you wish in whichever way you wish (you can just say “sorry” after). So, no wonder, if you are correct, that many persons listen.
Me, i love listening to, not the “Q95 journalists” (i am still chuckling at this notion) but SOME of the broadcasters at Q95 (note the difference in terminology). I love the shock effect and i firmly believe in listening to what the opposition forces have to say. Unfortunately, the opposition restricts itself to Q95. So, i listen to its broadcasters. Doing so arms me with much fuel for my efforts.
So, don’t get excited about people listening to Q, because you probably would not like the reason for which they do.
Did you say journalist?