PA Training and Google News Initiative launch new partnership
PA Training and Google News Initiative create new partnership to strengthen digital journalism and leadership skills
PA Training and the Google News Initiative today announce three partnership projects to provide easy access to free quality training for journalists at all stages of their careers.
Beginning in July, the Become a Journalist Summer School will run for four weeks to give aspiring journalists from under-represented backgrounds a foot on the ladder. Participants will build their skills in video, news, sports, features and digital journalism, will make their own podcasts, and learn the essentials of media law. As they explore different aspects of journalism, they’ll be working towards an industry recognised NCTJ Certificate in Foundation Journalism.
We are also keen to support established journalists in their careers and recognise there often may be few opportunities for mid-career journalists to access training. In the second half of 2022, we will launch a series of pop-up journalism festivals across the United Kingdom. These three-day festivals will include training workshops, panel discussions and seminars, along with networking and collaborative opportunities.
Listening to journalists, we are aware that misinformation is a huge problem. In 2022 we will be working on building our training capability in this area and bringing the industry together for discussion on the subject. We’d be delighted to hear from journalists with a specific interest in this area.
Vicky Frost, Director of Training, said: “It’s really thrilling to be collaborating with the Google News Initiative on these projects that give journalists support at all stages of their careers. We want access to quality training to be open to as many as possible, and this partnership makes that possible. We look forward to working with new and established journalists as they build relevant skills with PA Training’s team.”
Matt Cooke, Head of Google News Lab, part of the Google News Initiative said: “We’re grateful for our partnership with PA Training, and we hope these combined programs will help to strengthen digital skills right across the country. It’s our goal to help expand the support for the next generation of journalists, whilst identifying new training solutions for established reporters.”
About PA Training
As the sister company of PA Media, the UK and Ireland’s national news agency, we’ve been training journalists for decades and setting high industry standards. We train early and mid-career journalists through a range of short courses for teams and individuals, apprenticeships and NCTJ Diploma courses.
For more information: www.becomeajournalist.co.uk
About Google News Initiative
The Google News Initiative works side-by-side with publishers and journalists to build a more sustainable, diverse and innovative news ecosystem.
