Health Reporting - Asia Pacific - Online
Dates: 28 September 09 October | Location:
Application deadline: 08 September | Programme: Environment, Health & Resilience
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This is an opportunity provided by the Environment, Health & Resilience programme: Find out more

Please note: this course has been postponed with revised dates.

28th September 2020 - 9th October 2020

The deadline for applications has been extended until midnight 8th September 2020.


Significant medical advancements have contributed to better survival rates of advanced breast cancer and lung cancer. Yet a remaining sense of fear, stigma and isolation means that the true impact of such health conditions often goes untold. The spread of COVID-19 and the ensuing strain on health care systems and communities can further complicate efforts to treat or access care for other diseases.

Thomson Reuters Foundation is conducting one-week distance training workshop in English to provide journalists with the skillset and knowledge needed to better understand and report on the most topical public health care issues. There will be a focus on advanced breast cancer and lung cancer as well as the effects on COVID-19 on health care systems in the region.

The workshop, which is sponsored by Novartis, will connect journalists with key experts and enable them to network with peers from different parts of the Asia-Pacific region. It will involve a blend of lively interactive online sessions, expert briefings, discussions, practical wiring exercises and simulations, to sustain a highly practical, engaging and relevant experience.

The content includes investigative, interviewing and news-gathering techniques, how to select different story angles, and delves into the specific challenges of public health reporting including ethical considerations when interviewing vulnerable people and covering sensitive issues. Journalists will also explore how to spot misinformation; the latest advances and research; and ways to simplify the scientific jargon and contextualise data.

Format

The group will meet each day for a live 120-minute video session with trainers and/or expert speakers to ask questions, share ideas, learn new skills and practice them with post-session assignments. An exclusive closed forum will be created for continued discussions about learnings and exchange of tips and interactions among the group.

The journalists will have daily access to the trainers for mentoring on their stories during the two weeks.

Programme breakdown:

August 17-21

  • Daily 120-minute live video sessions with trainers which includes guest speakers, presentations, Q&A, exercises and discussions
  • Daily one-on-one access of 10-minute slots with trainers for additional Q&A and mentoring
  • Short assignments and activities

August 24-27
  • Trainers available for 10-minute slots of one-on-one mentoring of participants

August 28
-             Wrap up live video session of 120 minutes

*In total, participants should allow for 4 hours of work each day in the week (August 17-21) plus any 10-minute mentoring slots they sign up for in the second week (August 24-27).
 

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be full-time journalists or regular contributors working for media organisations, preferably top or first tier, based in the Asia-Pacific region, including; Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, Philippines and India

They must have a minimum of five years’ professional experience, and either specialise in health reporting or have demonstrable interest in covering this sector.

Applicants must have access to a minimum internet speed of 1 MB/second. (You can check the speed of your device by logging from it on www.speedtest.net).
 

Meet Our Experts

When applying you will be asked to upload the following documents – please have them ready:
 

  • 2 relevant work samples (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio journalists can send in their scripts and a brief summary or links to online versions. Participants are encouraged to provide circulation and reach of their publication
  • A biography of up to 250 words outlining your career
  • A statement of between 250 and 500 words describing any factors affecting your work as a journalist and how you hope to benefit from this training programme which you are applying for.

If you have any difficulties applying, please email trfmedia@thomsonreuters.com
 

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Environment, Health & Resilience
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