Trade Reporting after the Impact of Covid-19
Dates: 31 May 04 June | Location: Online
Application deadline: 21 May | Programme: Economic and Social Development
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This is an opportunity provided by the Economic and Social Development programme: Find out more

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global trade and will have for years to come.

Disruption of global supply chains, new export restrictions, decisions on relief packages to businesses are impacting countries and communities across the globe. More than ever, journalists need to understand these complex issues and develop their skills to provide much-needed accurate and clear reporting to raise public awareness.

With this in mind, Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) is partnering with the World Trade Organisation (WTO)  to offer journalists a three-day journalism course to hone skills reporting on the economy and trade under the impact of COVID-19, using sound principles of journalism such as accuracy, independence and freedom from bias.

This online training course will be delivered in English, combining live video sessions and offline work. The programme will involve a blend of lively masterclasses, expert briefings, and interactive exercises, to sustain a highly practical, engaging and relevant experience. 


A special focus on this workshop is building networks with trade ministry officials, to increase the understanding and access potential new sources for exclusive stories and richer reporting.

The government officials working with the WTO’s Enhanced Integrated Framework will also receive media training from TRF. Participants from both courses will be brought together on the 3rd day of the programme for knowledge and experience exchange, to understand challenges encountered and put lessons learned on their separate courses into practice with mock interviews and press conferences. This is extremely beneficial in building networks and synergies for increased collaboration.


Format

Each day, participants will attend around 3.5 hours of training that will include a blend of live group sessions, offline and group work, and one or two briefings with expert speakers.

An online forum will be created for continued discussion and networking between the journalists and the WTO’s government officials participating in the two courses.


Programme breakdown:

31st May, 2nd June, 4th June

  • One session per day with TRF trainers, including online and offline segments that can include guest speakers, presentations, Q&A, exercises and group work.
  • Short assignments and activities.
Participants should allow for 3.5 hours for each training day as well as up to one hour for additional discussions and mentoring. They should also be prepared to invest an additional three hours for assignments and preparation in between the training days.
 

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be full-time journalists or regular contributors working for media organisations based in the following countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Gambia, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Malawi, Nepal, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Zambia.

Applicants should have a minimum of two years’ professional experience, and should explain through their applications why they will benefit from participation in this course, and how they plan to use lessons learned in their professional work.  

Once selected, applicants will also be asked to provide a letter from their editor supporting their participation in the programme, including a commitment to publish the story they will produce should they participate in the mentoring component of the course. This will only be requested by TRF once applicants have been selected for the course.


Applicants must have access to a minimum internet speed of 8Mb/second. (You can check the speed of your device by logging from it on www.speedtest.net). Applicants will also need access to a computer to participate in the training; participation from a mobile or smart phone will not be possible.

Meet Our Experts

Applicants will be asked to upload the following documents as part of the application process:

  • Two relevant work samples (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio journalists may submit transcripts of broadcasts, a brief summary, and/or links to online versions. Participants are encouraged to provide details of circulation and reach of their publications if possible.
  • A biography of up to 250 words outlining your career.
  • A statement of between 250 and 500 words describing how you expect to benefit from this course, how you plan to use what you learn in your professional work, and any factors affecting your work as a journalist which may be considered relevant to your application. Please note there are limited spaces available; TRF will consider all applications on merit.
If you have any difficulties applying, please email trfmedia@thomsonreuters.com

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Economic and Social Development
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