Female Freelancers organises training on global journalism

 

The Female Freelancers Federation, FFF, recently organised free media training for journalists tagged “Becoming Global Journalist”.

The guest speaker, Ms. Joke Kujenya, who gave nuggets on how to be a relevant global journalist, is the Executive-in-Charge, Media Mentors Leadership Academy.

According to the veteran journalist, global journalism was crucial in today’s world as it helped in promoting transparency, accountability and freedom of speech, among others.

Her words: “Global journalism is viewed as an essential tool for bringing people together, promoting cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.

“It a way to raise awareness of problems that need to be urgently addressed, and serve as a platform for alternate viewpoints, including those of marginalised groups, who often don’t have a voice in mainstream media outlets.

“It is thus critical in promoting transparency, accountability, and freedom of speech,” Kujenya noted.

Speaking on the skills journalists needed to acquire to be relevant in the global space, the founder, of MMLA noted that “You need to have a broad knowledge of international affairs, different cultures, and social issues.

“Have the capacity to articulate issues with a proactive interest, coupled with the necessary skills to investigate, write and present stories that transcend borders and cultural divides.”

Ms. Kujenya, who said opportunities abound for media practitioners explained that global journalists can work in various international media and, most times, get paid for their efforts.

Earlier, Founder of the Female Freelancers Federation, FFF, Elizabeth Osayande, noted that the training became necessary to bridge the gap that existed in the reporting of global happenings and issues, especially in the face of the influx of untrained media practitioners.

Osayande said: “I believe this training is timely, considering that lots of things and information get spread within a second through a finger click.

“Sometimes, the news is filled with all sorts of misinformation.

“Again, this media exposé will bring to focus inherence and hidden potential and opportunities involved in becoming a global journalist,” Osayande reiterated.

The training, which was moderated by experienced journalist and activist, Esther Onyegbula, had about 35 registered participants that included males and females.

Expressing delight over the training, a staff of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Benue State, Oryiman Gwaza, stated: “I learned that global journalism demands or calls for the journalist to be truthful in reporting, be divergent and focused.

“You can compare both local and international issues among others. Also, ensure to know a foreign language,” Gwaza added.

On her part, a freelance journalist at the Platform Times, Ogun state, Adetutu Sobowale, who thanked the organisers of the programme, said: “I now believe I am the only one stopping myself from being a global journalist.”

Another participant, a staff of Timeswatch News Magazine, an online platform, Ruth Uche Ogbonnaya, said the training exposed her to a lot of information on global journalism.