Facebook launches digital journalism course in collaboration with Reuters
The Facebook Journalism Project (FJP) and the Reuters Institute听launched听a听.听Developed by Reuters, the听online training program听has modules on digital news gathering, verification and reporting, publishing on social media, wellness and resilience training while reporting. It aims to build a strong foundation in digital reporting and editing for journalists in听eight countries听across Asia, including the Philippines.听听听
Journalists from Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia,听India,听South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya will be able to access the free e-learning program.听
鈥淔acebook is proud to partner with Reuters to launch this new e-learning program and help our region鈥檚 journalists build strong foundational knowledge as they navigate the changing digital news landscape. Facebook is committed to supporting the region鈥檚 news community and ensuring reporters can continue their important work to keep our communities informed,鈥 said Anjali Kapoor, Facebook Asia Pacific鈥檚听director of听news听partnerships, in a press statement.听听
According to Reuters鈥檚 latest听, 73% of Filipinos on Facebook use the social platform for reading, discussing, and sharing news (the highest听percentage听among countries听surveyed). Meanwhile, 75% use听smartphones to access news.听
听The听report also found that听most people are still not paying for online news. Nic Newman, senior research associate of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, noted that publishers recognize long-term survival as likely to involve stronger and deeper connection with audiences through formats such as podcasts and e-mail.听
Journalists have the impetus to continue responsible and accurate reporting amid the changes in the media landscape and news consumption habits.听The FJP works with publishers around the world to strengthen the connection between journalists and the communities they serve. Its trainings, programs, and partnerships work by: investing in organizations that fund quality journalism; training newsrooms globally; and partnering with publishers and nonprofits to combat misinformation, promote news literacy, and improve journalism.听听听
Among its initiatives are a $2 million investment in grant funding, coaching, and training to support Asia-Pacific newsrooms during听the听coronavirus disease 2019听(COVID-19) pandemic;听as well as virtual trainings for news publishers and journalists across the region, including the听Newsroom Transformation 2020 training program in partnership with the听World Association of News Publishers听(WAN-IFRA).听听鈥听Patricia B. Mirasol听
