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 and trained journalist Polly Pattullo. Miss 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 says 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 skills, 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 journalism programme and will be awarded certificates of accomplishment on successful completion of the programme.
“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.”
The journalism program 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.