Twenty-six journalists from Baku and nearby regions participated in two different workshops about Data Mapping and Online Journalism, organized by IREX Azerbaijan in early April. The 5-day sessions were hosted by IREX's New Media Project [3], funded by USAID [4] and led by International consultant Dan Mason. Media specialists learned how to use new online tools to access news and information, building their skills and confidence.
Online journalism has developed substantially in the last five years. Professional and citizen journalists in Azerbaijan [5] are looking for new ways to gather quality information and access resources. Farman Nabiyev, the Editor-in-Chief of a regional newspaper attended the workshops and said, “It was very helpful. I have been searching for ideas and tools to get information and create my own online database.”
“The workshops were a lot of fun; all participants enjoyed the learning process,” added participant and blogger Alma Jafarova.
In one exercise, the journalists had to ‘interview’ someone famous from the last 100 years. The idea was to ‘spin’ the chat. Javid Savash, a journalist from the online TV Channel 13, chose Fidel Castro and said, “My first question would be: “Why a cigar?”
Overall, the aim of the two workshops was to help journalists to meet the standards of 21st century. They learned how to use WordPress, Google, Audacity, Picasa and other tools; how to write for their on-line audience; how to set up a blog; how to post and organize photographs; and how to stay up-to-date on the latest media innovations, online resources, training opportunities and expert advice.
Sabina Khanmirzoyeva works in media at IRFS and said, “I am responsible for the news updates on our website. It’s built on a WordPress platform, but I did not really know how the platform worked or what was possible, until this workshop.”
At the end of the training the journalists created blogs and posted their imaginary interviews with a famous people such as Fidel Castro and former Azerbaijan president Heydar Aliyev. No doubt they will soon post online many new interesting, dynamic and even heartbreaking stories of their own, using the valuable skills they have acquired.