The Press Association to launch video journalism diploma

The Press Association is launching a new diploma in video journalism as the impact of broadband Internet on newspaper publishers grows.

The training programme is aimed at print journalists who want to broaden their skills and be able to shoot video as well as write for newspapers.

Delegates on the course, which is headed by top video journalist David Dunkley Gyimah, will complete two weeks of practical, classroom-based training where they will learn to use a video camera effectively.

They will also learn to tell news stories through video, understand how to interview on camera, work with light and sound and editing skills.

After a period of time back on their newspaper, during which they will put their new skills into practice, they will return to the classroom to further develop their knowledge.

Candidates will then work towards a new Diploma in Video Journalism operated by The Editorial Centre, which expected to receive national recognition.

Gyimah, who used to work for the BBC, now lectures in video journalism at Westminster University. He is also editor of the innovative viewmagazine.tv web site.

The introduction of the diploma follows the development of PA’s own multimedia newsroom in London and an internal training scheme that has seen traditional wire reporters also carry video cameras.

Asha Oberoi, PA’s head of multimedia, said: “News and information gathered at a local level by multiskilled journalists is a great opportunity for newspapers.

“We believe that this training course is going to be a cornerstone in the development of the newspaper industry’s natural transition into creating video content online.”

Tony Johnston, head of PA editorial training said: “This is an exciting new training programme that reflects the growing integration between print and broadcast media.

“As broadband Internet becomes the norm, newspaper publishers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to develop web content. Having journalists who are as comfortable writing for print as they are telling stories through video is going to be essential.”

The Press Association bought a 50 per cent stake in The Editorial Centre in 2004 and the centre now has a complete portfolio of journalism qualifications. As well as the new diploma, it runs qualifications in foundation skills, sub editing, photography and one for overseas journalists.

For more information about the Diploma in Video Journalism, please contact Asha Oberoi on 0207 963 7172 or Tony Johnston on 0870 837641

Contact Information

N/A

Press Office

The Press Association

Contact via E-mail