Twenty-four Participants, 14 Countries, Three Continents, One Webinar
By the Secretariat, SIGNIS Asia Journalism Desk, December 9, 2021
For seven weeks, from 26th October to 7th December 2021, 24 participants from 14 countries logged on for two hours every Tuesday evening, to listen to subject matter experts and people who – collectively – probably had a few centuries’ worth of experience in the field of communications and journalism. While the first session of the SIGNIS Asia Journalism Desk’s (SAJD) webinar Journalism in a Fragmented World gave them an inkling of what they could expect, the five that followed covered several aspects of the field in-depth, and proved to be eye-opening to say the least.
The final session was preceded by “homework” for the participants. They were tasked with a little soul-searching on two aspects: what their individual webinar takeaways were, and what topic they were likely to base their 1,000-word reports on. While some topics, admittedly, were more engaging than others, all participants were unanimous on one point: the webinar had provided perspectives that they would never have thought of exploring themselves. A number admitted frankly that they were in danger of becoming disengaged from their jobs, and were relieved to find practical support.
Others worried over not being able to adequately connect their vocation and their faith; or being unable to strike a balance between telling the story of those affected, and sliding into more outspoken activism, in their efforts to be the voice of the voiceless. They expressed relief over insights into areas like Solutions Journalism; how to maintain Ethics in Humanitarian Reporting; and how to collaborate with those who subscribe to Citizen Journalism. The session on Big Data and Storytelling, while pragmatic in its approach, came with a caveat: tell the story first, bells and whistles are optional.
Many sessions also brought on “Aha” moments for the participants, particularly those who felt that their professional work was contributing to the doom and gloom of the current environment, instead of spreading encouragement and hope. They identified the sessions on Solutions Journalism and Ethics in Humanitarian Reporting as especially helpful with this. Cross-border issues have also taken on new meaning for the 24 participants from 14 countries, who have been engaging with each other in the course of the webinar.
Some of them are already in discussions to collaborate on stories that may have far-reaching regional impact. SIGNIS Asia’s publishing partner, LiCAS News, has offered a stipend of US$1,500 to be divided among the collaborators of ten articles, to help this effort along. The pieces will be published on the LiCAS News portal. Besides this, Vatican Radio has also asked journalists on the programme to contribute articles in their native languages, for future broadcast. All this implies continuing engagement with this diverse, enthusiastic group.
Another unanimous opinion that emerged was the need to stay in touch with a network of like-minded journalists, and for more platforms such as Journalism in a Fragmented World to be made available. Acknowledging this need, and to support participants’ efforts in producing their reports and articles, SAJD has decided to hold additional weekly sessions until 4th January 2022. These will be informal hour-long sessions where participants may log on for consultation, feedback, guidance and fellowship. It is hoped that with this effort, they will be supported in both their faith and professional lives.
Other articles published on the session:
https://www.signisasia.net/new-insights-mindset-changes-collaboration-and-fellowship/
SIGNIS Asia Journalism Desk and LiCAS News Asia are the organisers of the SIGNIS Asia Journalism Fellowship Programme on the theme “Journalism in a Fragmented World,” a seven-week programme for lay Catholic and like-minded journalists working in the secular media. Offered virtually, the seven-week webinar brings together 24 selected participants from 14 countries to build capacity and promote exchange among media professionals and journalists who want to use their platform for social change. Programme details: https://www.signisasia.net/journalism-in-a-fragmented-world-webinar-2021/