The application for the journalism training programme is open until July 22, 2023.
CNN Academy Abu Dhabi has opened applications for the third edition of its journalism training programme. The application is open to UAE nationals and residents over the age of 21 who have a background and/or interest in media and multiplatform storytelling.
With the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, taking place in the UAE, the 12-week CNN Academy Abu Dhabi programme will focus on climate storytelling. Academicians will learn from top CNN journalists what it takes to engage audiences on one of the world’s most pressing issues.
At the Community Hub, part of twofour54’s Yas Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi, successful applicants will receive in-person workshops and webinars on how CNN gathers information, verifies sources, and produces content for its multiple platforms. The Community Hub, which also houses CMA’s creative lab, will provide facilities and infrastructure, including equipment, learning resources, student liaison and outreach, along with the graduation ceremony.
CNN will work with the creative lab, part of the talent development division of Creative Media Authority, to help identify strong applicants from across the UAE to take part in the programme.
Speaking about the third edition programme, Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority, said: “CNN Academy Abu Dhabi plays a vital role in marrying technical and practical training with a renowned media company – creating a one-of-a-kind coveted opportunity for aspiring journalists. The goal of training initiatives like CNN Academy Abu Dhabi, is to create competent and talented individuals who can be placed in full-time work. As part of CMA’s remit to develop the skills and knowledge of the media industry, as well as streamlining the training to career pipeline for the industry, we are proud to support this incredible opportunity with a world-renowned and respected news organisation such as CNN.”
Building on the success of the inaugural, industry-first newsroom simulation last December, participants will apply the skills acquired throughout the course in an intensive, competitive challenge to investigate and report on an unfolding climate disaster in a fictional country.
Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi and Anchor of Connect the World, added: “Climate change is one of the biggest stories of our time, and as the UN conference takes place here in the UAE we will simultaneously centre our newsroom simulation on how to cover the climate crisis as journalists and storytellers. This is a brilliant opportunity to learn new skills, enhance career opportunities and I look forward to seeing the applications for this year’s cohort.”
With guidance and knowledge-sharing by senior CNN journalists, production specialists and established content creators within Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem, as well as the support of the creative lab, participants will complete ten core courses on topics such as Ethics in Journalism, Breaking News Coverage and Scriptwriting for Broadcast.
