DPC, CNN hold workshop on factual storytelling

Dubai Press Club (DPC), in collaboration with CNN, concluded a workshop on the importance of delivering the truth in any news story and verifying  facts as two key principles of ethical journalism. The one-day workshop was held for participants of the second Media National Youth Programme, which is being organised in partnership with Watani Al Emarat Foundation.

Leading the session, Caroline Faraj, CNN Vice President and CNN Arabic Editor in Chief, stressed the need to account  journalistic values, ethics and principles when telling a new story and having reliable and accurate facts put in a meaningful context.

Sharing her experience from working at CNN, she told participants, which included Emirati media students and media  professionals, that the organisation is committed to two main mottos. “We believe at CNN that facts must be at the heart of every story. We have two main mottos – one is to ‘Go There’, to tell stories wherever they may be. The other is ‘Facts First’, that  facts matter above everything else,” she said, adding that there are always going to be challenges, but reporting the truth and keeping the audiences’ trust will always stay as the top priority. “Be the first to know the truth and be the voice to those who  are voiceless,” she added.

During the session, Faraj explained how journalists can hook readers through applying professional storytelling techniques,  such as using greater details to draw readers to the story and putting them at the heart of any event.

“I am passionate about training young people because we will be relying on them to tell the news stories for the  next generation. It is important that the journalists of tomorrow understand the critical nature of factual storytelling and have the tools at their disposal. CNN is proud to play our part in educating young Emiratis as part of our contribution to the wider  fabric of society, journalism and mutual understanding,” said Faraj.

Director of Dubai Press Club Maitha Buhumaid expressed her appreciation to Caroline Faraj for sharing her professional  experience with the participants and familiarising them with the news standards adopted by international news organisations.

She also pointed out to the close partnership between Dubai Press Club and CNN Arabic and said: “With the growing  impact of social media on journalism and the rapid changes taking place in the media field, partnerships like this help us explore the future of the media industry and enhance the opportunities for the next generation of Emirati talents. Dubai Press Club is  keen to support the development of the media sector locally and regionally and train media professionals through our various training programmes and workshops.”

From his part, His Excellency Dherar Belhoul, Director General of Watani Al Emarat Foundation, said: “The Media National  Youth Programme aims to foster the development of a highly skilled next-generation national workforce that is able to contribute and develop their competencies in all the different media fields. Running this programme stems from our strong confidence in what  the future generation of Emirati talents are capable of doing and contributing to the media sector in the UAE and the region.”

Launched in April, the second edition of the Media National Youth Programme aims to create a comprehensive platform  for young Emirati students and media professionals to enhance their knowledge, expertise and skills in media. The Programme features a series of workshops in collaboration with leading academic and media institutions in the country.

Established in 1999 under the patronage of Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness  Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Press Club (DPC) is a proactive platform for journalists and media professionals to debate and deliberate on various topics of different interests ranging from political, economic and society. Dubai Press Club plays  a significant role in supporting and developing regional media industry by launching unique initiatives including the renowned Arab Media Forum (AMF), Arab Journalism Award (AJA) the promising Emirates Media Forum (EMF) and Arab Social Media Influencers Summit  (ASMIS).