PUBLIC HEALTH REPORTING IN RADIO
Panos
Radio continues to be the most effective medium of communication and information dissemination in the developing world. Despite the rapid expansion and reach of new media technologies, millions of people living off the information highway or unable to read the printed word, still depend on the radio for news, information and entertainment. But while it might seem as if radio is a technology for the poor, it does not mean, of course, that progress has left radio behind. Indeed, radio technology has come a long way: production, editing and transmission techniques have undergone major transformation since the early analog days; broadcast quality has improved; and the Internet allows listeners to tune into local stations thousands of miles away. In fact, with satellite broadcasts of digital radio programmes, radio is getting a new lease of life in the developed world.
As part of Panos South Asia`s goals to help build capacity of mainstream media in South Asia to report on key public health issues and be at par with the advancement in radio technology globally, a regional training entitled `Public Health Reporting in Radio Using Digital Technology Training Workshop` is being organized in Kathmandu, Nepal in April 2005. The workshop, organised under the aegis of PSA`s "Building Communications Opportunities Programme", will be conducted at the Panos South Asia Media Centre.
The workshop is designed for South Asian journalists, not necessarily already working in radio. The trainees will produce and file content for local and regional stations in addition to contributing southern views to the North. The week long programme will incorporate training in coverage of critical public health issues, production skills, digital editing and audio file compression and transfer techniques. Public health and media professionals from the region and from PSA`s global network will conduct the workshop with practical hands-on sessions.
The training workshop is scheduled for 19 - 26 April, 2005. There will be a total of 10-15 trainees from the seven South Asian countries. PSA will cover all related costs for participation, including travel, for participants.
Mid-career South Asian journalists, from print and broadcast media, wishing to attend the workshop may apply by
Kishor Pradhan
Programme Manager
Media Centre
Panos South Asia (PSA)
G.P.O.
Tel.: 977-1-5521889/5531447
Fax: 977-1-5544641
E-mail: kishor@panossouthasia.org
Visit PSA website at: www.panossouthasia.org