Scholarship for Broadcast Journalism

Broadcast Journalism on Social Conflict and Cohesion International Course Broadcast Journalism (Radio/TV) Theme: Social Conflict and Cohesion 12 week course from February 2nd – April 24th, 2009

RNTC application deadline: 15th August 2008 Embassy NFP application deadline: 1st October 2008

The deadline for non-fellowship applicants is November 15th, 2008

Further information please contact: liza.marsin@nesoindonesia.or.id

Course Aims: To strengthen the capacity of broadcast journalists and the organisations they work for to research, investigate and report for broadcast and new media in a responsible and ethical way on issues that divide individuals and groups in their countries and thereby (potentially) threaten social cohesion.
Role of the media in changing societies Societies in development are societies undergoing change. Inherent in such a process of change is the potential for tension and conflict among individuals and groups in society. Some of this potential for tension and conflict may be the reflection of longstanding divisions - political, religious, ethnic. Some will have more to do with a circumstantial clash of interests – for instance between the old and the new (tradition versus modernity) and between individuals and groups competing for greater influence and prosperity in the society that is evolving. Broadcast journalists and the organisations they work for have an important role to play here; they have to ensure that the great issues of concern to their societies and the attendant debates are given attention to and that the voices and views of those involved are heard.

Integrity and credibility They also have to be prepared to tackle controversial issues which are not being given the attention they deserve and by so doing help set the political agenda. But they also have a responsibility to do so without exacerbating existing divisions or threatening the social cohesion of the societies they serve. To achieve this, the maintenance of their integrity and of their credibility as broadcast journalists is crucial; they may not be perceived as representing certain population or interest groups at the expense of others. In addition they must develop the journalistic knowledge and skills they need to investigate and present potentially divisive issues accurately and in
a balanced non-partisan way.

Investigative research and analysis The courses will focus on the role, responsibility and requirements of the broadcast journalist in meeting this challenge. Special attention will be given to developing and putting into practice the appropriate knowledge and skills for (investigative) research and analysis and for the production of various broadcast and internet assignments as well as to other essential broadcast journalism skills such as interpretation, speed and accuracy under pressure, communication and teamwork. There will be a considerable measure of interaction and exchange of knowledge and skills between radio and television.

Multimedia Course participants will work with analogue and digital technology for radio and television and be involved in the design and development of material for an Internet site related to the theme and focus of the course. As well as attending sessions devoted to developing their knowledge and skills in the field of news and current affairs participants will be sent out on assignments to various locations in the Netherlands linked to the theme of social conflict and cohesion and to the role and responsibility of the broadcast journalist in this field. After leaving the Netherlands at the end of the course participants will become part of a network of journalists and other experts through RNTC’s website, intended to foster co-operation and the further exchange of ideas and experience in the field of broadcast journalism.