Our Correspondent
The first CNN Academy in the world will open in Abu Dhabi soon. Starting January 2021, the intensive learning programme will offer a full-time five-week course with a combination of online learning sessions and in-person workshops that will take place at the CNN hub at twofour54, the Abu Dhabi media free zone (twofour54 stands for the geographical coordinates of the UAE capital, 24⁰ N 54⁰ E).
The new academy. announced on September 22, is meant for journalists of the future to learn about multiplatform storytelling, WAM reported.
CNN first began broadcasting from Abu Dhabi more than ten years ago, and is now one of its major international hubs with a state-of-the-art bureau at Abu Dhabi.; the network has continually expanded its footprint, multilingual content, and programming. In 2020 and beyond, CNN is building on its commitment to foster the growth of quality journalism through educational and training initiatives designed to equip youth across the region with the latest journalism and broadcasting skills.
Led by a team of experienced journalists, content creators and production specialists from around the world, the academy will teach participants important skills in broadcast engineering, field production, and interview techniques. Students will also learn how CNN gathers information, verifies sources and creates content across all platforms.
Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi and anchor of Connect the World, will take some of the curriculum classes. Going behind the scenes of the region’s flagship current affairs show, Connect the World with Becky Anderson, students will gain valuable experience about how the programme and its digital content is produced.
The syllabus will also include insights into CNN Arabic and the local media landscape along with digital storytelling, mobile journalism, photography and post-production. By the end of the course, students will have learned a wide range of journalism and production skills and will be able to develop a raw story idea into a broadcast-ready short film with accompanying digital and social media content. The best work created by students will be featured on CNN’s broadcast channels.
Anderson said, “CNN Academy Abu Dhabi marks the latest step in CNN’s continued support of local learning and development. With 40 years of newsgathering 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.”
The twofour54 training hub, which houses its Creative Lab and Image Nation’s Arab Film Studio, will provide facilities and infrastructure including equipment, learning resources, student liaison and outreach along with the graduation ceremony.
Applications for CNN Academy Abu Dhabi are now open to applicants from the UAE and across the region over the age of 21. Entry requirements include a one-minute video demonstrating suitability for the course and a written pitch outlining a story idea for the CNN audience. The closing date for applications is October 31.
