INTERNEWS JOURNALISM TRAINING SHOULD CONTINUE

UNCLAS MANAMA 000839

SIPDIS

NEA/PI-DMULENEX; NEA/PPD-PAGNEW; NEA/ARP CKANESHIRO;
DRL/PHD JLEVINSON

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMPI KPAO KDEM BA
SUBJECT: INTERNEWS JOURNALISM TRAINING SHOULD CONTINUE

REFERENCE: MANAMA 444


1. In reftel, para 13 (our response to NEA/PI's request
for feedback on MEPI's FY 2004 funding recommendations),
post concurred with NEA/PI's decision to evaluate the
results of the Internews media training program prior to
investing further in this project in FY04. Internews has
visited Bahrain twice since reftel; they have met the
right people, coordinated with the Journalists
Association, and provided extremely useful consultations
at the University's new Communications Department. They
have also just conducted a very successful training
workshop (see para 2) and have contacted appropriate
Bahraini attorneys to attend a media and the law workshop
this summer. Post's MEPI working group evaluation of
Internews in Bahrain: definitely worth continuing.


2. The first phase of the MEPI-funded Internews Network
journalism training was a real success, providing needed
skills to young Bahraini journalists. The May 22-26
workshop was attended by fifteen journalists, focusing on
the role of journalists in a more open society, the
ethics of the profession, and basic skills. The course
was spot on - both from our own observations and from the
trainees themselves. Internews Middle East Director
Karim Alrawi, Training Coordinator Sally Sami, and
Trainer Daniel Boylan also called on the Minister of
Information who expressed his full support for journalism
training and requested that Internews offer more training
in Bahrain, including the broadcast media. Post strongly
concurs. We would like Internews to conduct a workshop
on the difference between accurate investigative
reporting and writing opinion pieces/editorializing, a
real problem in the Arab media. Post looks forward to
the second phase of the Internews training in November
2004, which will improve internet skills and e-
journalism.

NEUMANN