Varsity in partnership with CNN Academy for future of journalism

(From left) Rockman, Ramos, Pandya-Wood and Lim at the signing ceremony. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star

Freedom of the press and media ethics have long been topics of discussion not only in Malaysia, but around the globe as well.

Journalists act as gatekeepers in mass communication, and the trust between writer and reader hinges on accuracy of facts, ethical behaviour and a lack of bias.

Increasingly driven by “fake news”, more and more people are discrediting and denouncing the media, even going as far as to attack them.

As such, educating a nation on the importance of journalism and the media is also part and parcel of changing public perception.

University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM), in its mission to address these issues as part of its Master of Media, Communications and Culture degree, will allow students to take part in the CNN Academy programme.

The module aims to educate and prepare new and experienced journalists, towards a more diversified and resilient media landscape.

The collaboration involves giving students access to the CNN Academy Hub, where they will take part in a number of online live seminars and then gain hands-on experience at the inaugural CNN Academy Newsroom Simulation at the Yas Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

“At UNM, we want to empower the next generation of global journalists at a time when fake news is all too prevalent,” said UNM interim provost and chief executive officer Professor Sarah Metcalfe.

“By partnering with CNN, one of the world’s leading news organisations, we are able to deliver the first programme of its kind in Malaysia, changing the way we teach journalism in this digital era.

“The impact of this partnership extends beyond UNM, across Malaysia and into the wider region, especially in promoting responsible and ethical reporting, and the dissemination of trustworthy news and information,” said Prof Metcalfe.

Meanwhile, CNN International Commercial content sales and partnerships director Gregg Rockman said: “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with University of Nottingham Malaysia to continue our collaboration on CNN Academy.

“Over four decades, CNN journalists have reported the news to the highest standards of journalism, promoting the values of independence, integrity and objectivity.

“It is our privilege to take that knowledge and expertise through our CNN Academy programme to guide and empower the future generation of journalists,” he added.

The partnership was signed by UNM vice provost for teaching and learning Associate Professor Dr Hazel Melanie Ramos and Rockman, witnessed by UNM Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) dean Dr Jason Pandya-Wood and FASS associate dean Associate Professor Dr Joanne Lim Bee Yin.