Virtual Journalism Training Builds Capacity of 70 Congolese Journalists
On July 29 and August 05, 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Brazzaville organized a two-session on-line training for 70 journalists from Téle-Congo, Vox TV, Les Depeches de Brazzaville and La Semaine Africaine. The training, entitled “The Art of the Interview”, was hosted by Paris-based renowned American journalist Eduardo Cue.
During the two-day training, Mr. Cue and participants explored the theoretical aspects of journalism interviews and how to master their application. The second session focused on constructive criticism and analysis of interviews prepared by participating media outlets as part of the training. This training provided Congolese journalists with the opportunity to learn, share and give feedback to develop their craft and skills.
During his opening remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Travis highlighted the significant role a free press plays in a democracy “when you see our problems broadcast around the world, always remember that it is a free press that makes it so. The fact that you know we struggle is evidence of the importance of a free press.”
This virtual training emphasized the U.S. Embassy Brazzaville’s commitment to supporting the professional development of Congo’s journalists despite the challenges of the COVID-19 health crisis. We will continue to work hand and hand with the people and the government of the Republic of Congo to strengthen our bilateral relations. At the end of the training, each media outlet organized their own internal ceremony to hand certificates awarded by the U.S. Embassy to all journalists who participated in order to comply with COVID19 social distancing measures.
Photos: Certificate awards ceremonies at participating media outlets
