US consulate supports media development organisation in training young journalists

The Media Career Development Network (MCDN) has launched a bi-monthly journalism clinic initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of impactful Nigerian reporters.

Backed by the US consulate-general in Lagos, the programme is designed for early-career journalists with less than five years of reporting experience.

In a statement on Friday, Dayo Emmanuel, MCDN’s programme manager, said the year-long initiative will offer hands-on capacity building workshops to strengthen professional skills and promote fact-based ethical reporting.

Through intensive workshops to be held in Lagos, the programme will equip young journalists with the requisite skills to produce data-driven investigative reporting and introduce them to open-source digital tools to assist them in their work, and facilitate connections with senior journalists and subject matter experts for mentorship opportunities.

The clinic will cover a broad range of topics, including reporting on local governance institutions, transparency and accountability, financial journalism, public health coverage, and best practices for covering sensitive stories.

Additional sessions will focus on accessing public data, working with anonymous sources, ethical and professional journalism practices, prioritising truth, and best practices for leveraging social media for impactful storytelling.

Julie McKay, US consulate public affairs officer, said the initiative is part of the US government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening media capacity in Nigeria.

“Press freedom and a professional, responsive, and independent media are critical parts of any democracy,” McKay said.

“By providing timely and accurate information, journalists give citizens a voice allowing them to engage in important dialogue and hold leaders accountable.”

Lekan Otufodunrin, executive director of the Media Career Development Network, said about 150 reporters will benefit from the capacity building programme.

He emphasised the programme’s goal of empowering young journalists to fulfill their role in keeping the public informed.

“Participants will gain advanced reporting skills that enhance their ability to inform, educate, and hold leaders accountable,” Otufodunrin added.

“Interested journalists can apply. Selected participants will be notified ahead of each bi-monthly session.”