INSTITUTE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF JOURNALISM

Ethics and Media Law

Duration

2 days

Many facets of journalism have changed in the two decades, including some of the laws and codes that guide the profession. This course helps reporters get to grips with the law in South Africa and how to engage with it as journalists. It also helps reporters understand the South African press code, how to avoid defamation lawsuits, invasion of privacy allegations and talks through ethical conduct for journalists. It works through the Promotion of Access to Information Act and the Protection of State Information Bill and highlights the four pillars of ethics being truth telling, independence, minimising harm and accountability.

Managing a 21st Century Newsroom

Duration

2 days

Resources are strained; budgets are stretched and stories keep rolling in. How do you keep on top of it all? Aimed at newsroom manager, this course helps news editors get on top of the needs in their newsrooms. From how to structure their news diaries to doing long term planning, story generation and managing their reporters to keep both the morale and  productivity levels high. 

Becoming a multimedia journalist

Duration

3 days

Gone are the days of newspapers, radio and TV being the only media around. We live in a world where people can consume news online all day, pick a podcast or watch a video on social media whenever they want. That’s why journalists need to be versatile enough to produce material for all available media platforms. This course is designed to help reporters diversify their offerings to compile news stories in video, audio and visual formats for the internet and other social media platforms. 

Dealing with the Media

Duration

3 days

How do you adequately prepare for an interview with a journalist? What about press releases and media advisories? Your effectiveness as media liaison depends on how well you understand the way the media works and what makes for effective copy. Created by media professionals, this course will give you the insight into the newsroom that can result in good relationships with the media.

Creative Writing

Duration

5 days

Delivering key messages in the corporate materials can be a complicated task. This practical course is a must for all professionals interested in writing for corporate publications, from media liaison officers. It will coach employees within communications units on how to structure articles, newsletters, in-house publications and reports for the maximum effect and  in public and private sectors and civil society organisations. 

Social Media as source and platform

Duration

2 days

Whether you’re a journalist, communicator, a big corporate or a small non-governmental organisation, you can’t afford to ignore social media. 

Social media has the potential to provide unmatched insights into stories as they unfold  online. But many journalists and communicators’ careers have ended abruptly with errant tweets, stories and images that have led to legal battles. This course equips journalists and communicators to deal with the additional burden of “socializing” online.