Internet journalism in focus of OSCE courses at Turkmenistan universities

ASHGABAT, 22 September 2016 –An OSCE-supported practical course on Internet journalism for some 40 journalism students at the International University for Humanities and Development concluded today in Ashgabat.

An international expert addressed the global technological environment and new conditions for journalism and society, journalism ethics and the use of sources. The students looked at the principles and instruments of Internet journalism and discussed the text structure and rules of storytelling in online journalism. The four-day course also covered techniques and approaches to visual information in Internet journalism.

“Internet provides journalists with vast opportunities, including innovative ways of newsgathering and dissemination, producing news reports and interaction with audiences,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“Modern journalists are expected to be very dynamic, to be able to use new technologies and the Internet and master new media skills, while also paying due attention to fundamental journalism skills such as writing, interviewing and fact-verification.” 

The agenda of the course featured a game simulating a press conference with students playing the roles of representatives of government institutions, international and national media. . The students also wrote short stories for Internet based on the results of the press conference.

“These courses mark the continuation of successful co-operation with Turkmenistan in the area of journalism education and I am convinced that they will contribute  to the development of students’ professional skills and capability to make effective use of the opportunities offered by new technologies,” added Ambassador Drozd.

The event at the International University for Humanities and Development will be followed by a similar course next week at the Foreign Ministry’s Institute of International Relations.