CNN launches first academy for journalists in Abu Dhabi

US news channel, CNN, has announced the launching of its journalism academy in Abu Dhabi with training set to start in January 2021.
The five-week program will combine online learning sessions and in-person workshops, the channel said in a statement, Gulf Business reports.
Applicants have until October 31 and must be above 21 years of age, based out of the UAE or the region. The application must include a one-minute video, demonstrating suitability for the course and a written pitch outlining a story idea for the CNN audience.
CNN’s Abu Dhabi bureau located at twofour54, will house the training given by a team of experienced journalists, content creators and production specialists from around the world.
The syllabus, according to CNN will include insights into CNN Arabic and the local media landscape along with digital storytelling, mobile journalism, photography and post-production while the students will learn industry skills including broadcast engineering, field production, interview and information gathering techniques, how to verify sources and create content across all platforms.
“CNN Academy Abu Dhabi marks the latest step in CNN’s continued support of local learning and development and supplements our internship schemes, community work and partnership with the ZHO around People with Determination. With 40 years of news gathering and over a decade of producing and broadcasting in the Middle East, CNN is able to offer extensive insights into the culture, economics, innovation and global impact that the region has,” said Becky Anderson, managing editor of CNN Abu Dhabi.