OSCE and European Broadcasting Union train Albania’s RTSH journalists on online media and social networks

An intensive training course on online media and the use of social networks was held by the OSCE Presence in Albania in close co-operation with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for 15 journalists and editors of the Albanian public broadcaster, RTSH, from 31 October to 2 November at the premises of RTSH in Tirana.

The course focused on improving the participants’ skills in writing for online media and engaging and growing their online audience.

"I've been very impressed with the enthusiasm to learn and the passion of the training participants. I hope they are now better equipped and that they were inspired to move forward with creating engaging content on their website and social media pages," said Justin Kings, an EBU trainer.

Participants discussed challenges such as the increase in fake news and were informed about research methods and verification steps for online and social media news.

They also looked into digital strategies public broadcasters can use to intensify the interaction with their audiences. 

Vojislav Raonic, Senior Media Officer at the OSCE Presence in Albania, praised the determination of the RTSH management and editorial team to pursue active engagement in the domain of social media.

“Social media platforms are part of the new programme equation. These third-party platforms offer valuable opportunities for public service media to engage and interact with their audiences,” he said. 

Having signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding, the OSCE Presence in Albania and the EBU co-operate closely with RTSH in the demanding process of its transformation into an independent, accountable and sustainable public service medium.