Media24’s training programme for disabled journalists kicked off last week when a group of trainee reporters spent time networking with Daily Sun editor-in-chief Reggy Moalusi and some of the newspaper’s senior editors.
The group heard first-hand about tabloid journalism from the people behind South Africa’s biggest daily newspaper. The meeting formed part of the group’s tour of Media24’s Johannesburg offices where they learnt what goes into the daily production cycle of this news giant.
The journalists, all freelancers, contribute to a monthly independent newspaper called ThisAbility aimed at the disabled community of South Africa. ThisAbility’s editor Simon Manda described the programme as the start of a “groundbreaking relationship” that had the potential to transform lives.
“We are excited that Media24 is including the disabled in its diversification and empowerment policy so as to include marginalised people,” said Manda. “Not only will the individuals benefit from the training but they will also receive ongoing mentorship. We are truly grateful to Media24 for starting this partnership and look forward to their continued support.”
The training project, initiated by the Media24 Academy in a drive to upskill disabled journalists and build diversity in the media sector, launched with an intensive six-day course run by frayintermedia covering a series of modules which included interview techniques, story structure, media ethics and law. The course will be followed by a mentorship programme where each of the journalists will receive bi-monthly writing coaching from one of South Africa’s most established media coaches, Liz Barratt.
The candidates, none of whom had received any formal journalism training before, came from a range of different provinces across South Africa to attend the course.
