BMC’s training course: A milestone in enhancing professional journalism skills

Zakir Farazi: Journalism is no longer confined to merely collecting and publishing news. A skilled journalist must excel across multiple dimensions, including fact-checking, determining news value, conducting interviews, honing investigative skills, gathering information on-site, capturing photos and videos, utilizing mobile technology, editing news, and responsibly presenting reports across digital platforms. The journalism training course run by the Barishal Media Corporation (BMC) has created an opportunity to acquire these skills in today’s technology-driven media landscape. Out of the 24 classes in this three-month training course, 12 are dedicated to practical sessions. Held every Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the office of Dainik Bangladesh Bani in Barishal, the course combines theoretical discussions with hands-on, practical training led by experienced journalists and media experts. One of the main objectives of this training is to build professional and responsible media personnel. Beginners are taught fundamental techniques in news gathering, verification, news writing, and multimedia content creation prior to field reporting. Consequently, the course serves as an effective platform for students interested in journalism as well as entry-level media professionals. Key modules include Mobile Journalism (MoJo), Digital & Multimedia Journalism, Online Journalism, and Assignment Coverage. Through mobile journalism, trainees gain practical insights into using smartphones to quickly gather information, take photos, capture videos, draft instant reports, and publish them on digital platforms. Saeed Ibn Masud, Senior Cameraman at Bangladesh Television (BTV) and a trainer at the National Broadcast Media Institute, conducted the training on mobile journalism. He instructed trainees on various techniques of photo and video capture, camera shot rules, and field-level operational preparations. Special focus is also given to the fundamentals of video journalism. Trainees learn how to sequentially utilize various shots—such as extreme long shots, medium long shots, close shots, and extreme close shots—when covering news or assignments. They are also taught how to plan before heading out on assignments and ensure high-quality audio recording. Additionally, visual storytelling methods like the 'Particular to General' (PTG) approach are covered. In digital and multimedia journalism, participants learn to present news attractively by integrating text, photos, and video. The online journalism module focuses on writing engaging yet factual headlines, verifying data accuracy, publishing news rapidly, and formatting content to suit reader preferences. Media ethics, laws, and the journalist's code of conduct are also given significant emphasis. Training on these subjects was conducted by Sardar Farid Ahmad, senior journalist, columnist, and former General Secretary of the Dhaka Journalists' Union. Rafiquzzaman Ruman, Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Manarat International University, delivered a detailed lecture on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, its concepts, application, and procedure. He highlighted key topics, including the RTI Act, media ethics, legal frameworks, media philosophy, and codes of conduct. The sessions explained that under the RTI Act, "information" encompasses documents, reports, contracts, orders, registers, maps, audio-video recordings, and emails held by government offices, while educating participants on citizens' right to access information. How a journalist can lawfully gather and utilize information forms an essential part of this training. During an unannounced visit, Masum Mizan—a renowned journalist from the southern region and former Vice President of the Crime Reporters Association Bangladesh (CRAB)—shared practical insights on crime reporting. He spoke about the precautions required while gathering crime news in the field and highlighted the risks of reporting allegations without thorough verification. The panel of trainers also includes Kamruzzaman Bablu, Bangladesh Correspondent for TRT World, former Chief Reporter of Diganta Television, and former Special Correspondent for CSB News. His extensive media experience helps trainees gain a realistic understanding of field journalism. Furthermore, Ahmed Baizid, News Editor of Naya Diganta and Editor of Barishal Journal, trained participants in news editing techniques. Trainees learned about the scope of editing, scripting for videos, gathering adequate and relevant footage, article structure, identifying information gaps, avoiding false data and images, verifying names, designations, locations, and dates, and ensuring source reliability before building a report. Assignment coverage is another crucial practical element. Trainees are given hands-on experience in visiting spot locations, conducting interviews, verifying eyewitness accounts, taking photos and videos, and organizing these elements into a complete news report. The most vital aspect of this training initiative is its emphasis on practical application alongside theory. In field coverage, a journalist often simultaneously plays the role of a reporter, mobile journalist, camera operator, and content creator. In an era of intense social media competition to publish first, the risk of spreading unverified news and misinformation has risen sharply. Therefore, verifying data, evaluating source reliability, obtaining statements from all relevant parties, and adhering to media ethics are critical. The BMC training course prioritizes these principles. Participants receive a certificate upon completing the course. For aspiring journalists, entry-level media workers, and professionals looking to upgrade their skills, this program offers long-term benefits. In today's fast-changing media environment, being a good writer is no longer enough. A journalist must be a data-driven reporter, a skilled mobile journalist, a perceptive visual storyteller, and a responsible digital content creator. Considering these requirements, the journalism training course by Barishal Media Corporation stands out as a timely initiative for professional skill development in the southern region of Bangladesh.