Al Arabiya’s state-of-the-art newsroom has been transformed into a training ground for the next generation of young Arab broadcasters, as college graduates experience the latest TV production techniques during a two week training initiative created by the Middle East’s leading news network.
The training aims to bridge the gap of communication between academia and the media, which is also the central theme of the first Al Arabiya Forum taking place tomorrow in Dubai. As leading academics and media professionals gather to discuss the issues and solutions in a televised debate, real-hands on action in a breaking news environment is proving popular with the students lucky enough to secure a place on the Al Arabiya course.
“This is the first time for Al Arabiya TV to extend its training programme to college students as young as 16 - their level of enthusiasm and dedication is astounding. The channel believes that training is essential not just for existing media professionals but also for the youth, who is interested in becoming a part of this dynamic industry. This training programmes will provide the trainees with an insight into the workings of a broadcast station and help them perform professionally at their future workplace” said Maisa Abdi, Director of Training program, Al Arabiya TV.
The training sessions, led by leading broadcast journalists at Al Arabiya TV, allows attendees to have real time contact with broadcast equipment, production teams, editing teams and understand the importance of Information Technology in the functioning of a broadcast station. The concentrated summer programme is equivalent in content to a one year academic curriculum at university level for the 24 participants attending the event.
The sessions are fifth in a series of training programmes organized by Al Arabiya TV and will be followed by three additional sessions that will focus on production.
Ghada Abboud, a Saudi journalist confessed: “Previously, I wasn’t able to apply theory at work; however, after attending this on-field training session and having tried out the latest technological equipment, my knowledge has fast-tracked and it has given a great boost to my confidence.”
Nathaly Nakad, an economics major student, has a keen interest in the financial media and considers these courses to be a wonderful opportunity for enhancing professionalism as the exposure includes understanding the practicalities of real life media industry.
