【阅读材料】Nigerian journalists learn the power of peoplePublished: September 14, 2009
![]() By Helen Scott and Martin Huckerby
As the flip chart filled with an ever-increasing list of dangers, threats and resource issues, we began to realise just how tough is to be a journalist in the Niger Delta.
Martin Huckerby and I were running a five-day course for journalists in Lagos. And although we were in the comfort of a hotel, there was no escaping the challenges faced by our group. How do you report safely from an area that’s home to gun-toting militants?
As one reporter told us: “I’m not insured to go to the scene when a pipeline is sabotaged. I have to do it on the phone.” Others turned out regardless, but put flak jackets on their wish list.
The course, sponsored by Nigeria LNG, a gas company, had opened with a glittering array of the country’s senior media stars in attendance. The morning of speeches brought many comments about the vibrancy of the Nigerian media, but also self-criticism about media standards.
Our challenge was to offer advanced skills training, but also to open the door to a more attractive way of selling stories to readers, viewers and listeners. Many stories here begin with the words: “The FG (Federal Government) said …” Our aim was to inspire journalists to produce more people-centred stories.
So, with the help of UNICEF and without an FG spokesperson in sight, we designed a field trip to see street kids rescued through a football project. Real stories, real pictures, real actuality.
A group of boys with amazing life stories were on offer at the training ground. The director was a media gift – articulate, passionate and helpful.
But what amazed our group most was the lack of restrictions. Yes, they could talk to anyone, yes, everyone was happy to be filmed or recorded, yes they had time, yes they could choose the approach they took.
But the freedom took some of the group out of their comfort zone, and – with so many choices – they fell back on choosing the official line.
Twenty four hours on, the group had the opportunity to review all the reports. Here was the opportunity to judge for themselves which approach would most appeal to their readers, viewers and listeners.
Although only a handful of the print reports majored on the boys’ personal stories, the group preferred those which did. And they unanimously decided they preferred the people-led approach adopted in second of the two TV reports that follow …
Spot the difference: In the video above, the TV journalists used their usual techniques. Helen Scott then worked with the group to take a more people-centred approach.
In the video below, the same story is told through one young man’s experience, using more of his interview, letting the pictures breath and making the commentary less intrusive for the viewer.
• The course’s sponsor was Ifeanye Mbanefo, the corporate communications manager, for Nigeria LNG, an ex-reporter on one of the country’s most respected papers, and a passionate believer in continuing training for journalists.
He had no editorial agenda, he told us, he just wanted to inspire journalists to believe they can do it better. And if just one of the group went on to practice what had been taught, and cascade it down, he’d be happy.
Our inboxes show that a number already are. And we do know how grateful most of them were to have the opportunity of training, some for the first time.
|
楼主: admin
楼主
