Media training 11-10-2014 Positive outcome Some 15 journalists have completed a two-day training in investigative journalism held under the aegis of the east Africa Journalist Association (EAJA)and conducted by the Association of Media Practitioners Seychelles (AMPS). BY JN The training was facilitated by Seychellois Editor Gervais Henrie who himself followed a train the trainer training. Under the tutelage of EAJA representative William Oloo, the workshop explored the basics of investigative journalism with an aim to familiarise journalists with the topic and equip them with the initial knowledge of how to go about it. The training placed special emphasis on the need to investigate and expose corruption where and when it happens. In line with this, the participants were able to hear of the experience of two bodies which have mandate to carry out specific investigations. The Chairperson of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee in the National Assembly, David Pierre gave an account of the role and activities of the FPAC while the Financial Intelligence Unit’s Declan Barber appraised the participants of the mission of the FIU. Among the strong points which came out of the two-day session, was the need for accuracy and balance when reporting as well as the presentation of facts and supporting evidence , rather than opinion and allegations form the core of the reports so as to increase the level of credibility and attention such news items get. The need for media houses and individual journalists to work alongside each other and support one another when addressing corruption issues and the necessity of adhering to ethics were also areas emphasized upon. The participants conducted honest and frank analysis of samples of articles produced locally with the view of assessing their investigative content. The participants also looked at the challenges which hinder their ability to carry out investigative journalism in Seychelles, such as prohibitive laws, difficulties to gain access to information, fear of reprisal amongst others. “We need to take the time to do research on the stories we are reporting on. Sometimes just one interview is not enough to cover a subject properly. We need to task ourselves and always prepare ourselves well before we go for interviews, so that at least we have sound background before we even start to conduct interviews,” said Le Seychellois Hebdo’s Lindy Vital. Most of the participants felt that there is scope for investigative journalism in Seychelles. Pure FM’s Patsy Athanase said that it is being done to a certain extent, but that the country’s peculiarities, “such as the size of our small population, brings its own set of disadvantages which makes exposing corruption difficult.” For her part AMPS Secretary Tessa Henderson who was recently accepted as the association’s representative in the Seychelles Media Commission added that “there is plenty of scope for investigative journalism. As journalists we have to know our rights for us to feel confident and know where we can access the information we need”. The workshop is the first which the recently created AMPS has organized and heads a list of others which all aim to increase the knowhow and knowledge of Seychellois journalists to be able to effectively deliver on their mandate of informing and educating the public.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 06:54:37 +0000
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