Send applications to: georgiajournalism@gmail.com
Georgian journalists have an opportunity for professional development through a robust professional study tour at U.S. media centers. This hands-on training in Silicon Valley will include site tours of U.S. media organizations and experience with the latest internet applications for journalists. Special attention will be given to learning Facebook Crowdtangle, Google Tools and other investigative resources that can help journalists carry out independent reporting and audience measurement. The goal is to empower participants to work in self-sustaining media outlets, ultimately bolstering democracy and free speech in Georgia.
Twenty journalists will be selected in two groups of ten each, with tours and training organized by San Jose State University School of Journalism and Mass Communications, where the motto is “learn by doing.” Each group will spend 13 days in Northern California where they will participate in hands-on training sessions and site visits, using investigative databases and creating in-depth stories that employ visual storytelling infographic techniques. In each of the groups, two of the participants will spend a week as short-term interns with media outlets. Selection for the internships will be made on the basis of the most appropriate matches between mentor and mentee, based on experience and journalistic aspiration.
English language skills are desirable but are not required. Interpretation and translation will be provided for non-English speakers. Returning to Georgia, participants will receive personalized follow-up support in order to develop business models. In addition to offering ongoing guidance, a team from San Jose State with expertise in organizational capacity will travel to Georgia in June to meet with media owners and managers. The program will conclude in June with in-country instruction in technology becoming increasingly important for journalists around the world: virtual reality.
Journalists, editors or producers employed by print, broadcast or online media may apply. The applicant must demonstrate the use of multimedia practice as part of their professional duties.The program is also open to freelance journalists with a history of publication.
The program is funded by the Public Affairs Sections (PAS) of the United States Embassy in Georgia.
Program Dates (Specific activities may be subject to change.):
Tue., Jan. 2, 2018: Participants arrive in San Francisco, CA., spending night in San Jose (45 minutes away.)
Wed., Jan. 3 – Tour of downtown San Jose, capital of Silicon Valley. Specifics of human rights reporting and press freedom.
Thurs., Jan. 4- Google tour and workshop on Google Tools.
Fri., Jan. 5- Visual data storytelling workshop using Moovly, Carto DB, JavaScript tools for journalists, key databases, infographic creation and more.
Sat., Jan. 6- Develop infographics
Sun., Jan. 7- Tour of San Francisco
Mon., Jan 8- Two participants break from the group to participate in internships Jan. 8- 12. Rest of group: site visit to the Mercury News newspaper/web (San Jose)
Hands-on lessons on covering a political beat.
Discussion of relationship between advertising, PR, media sustainability and journalistic independence
Tues., Jan. 9- Visit to KQED-TV and Radio in San Francisco (PBS/NPR)
Discussion of public/sponsored vs. private/advertising media ownership models.
Wed., Jan. 10- Facebook tour and CrowdTangle instruction.
Thurs., Jan 11- Metro Magazine site visit (San Jose)discussion with publisher
Audit Bureau of Circulation training in audience measurement.
Hands-on techniques to increase advertising.
Taping of Equal Time, SJSU News Magazine television program.
Fri., Jan. 12 – On-site tour of KNTV (NBC, San Jose)
Editorial meeting, seminars with technology reporter and investigative reporter.
Sat., Jan. 13 Free morning to pack
Evening keynote: The future is now: Using virtual reality to enhance storytelling.
Sun. Jan. 14 Departure for Georgia
(Same schedule will be followed for participants attending Mon., Jan. 15- Sat., Jan. 27.)
Application form (English/Georgian)
Georgian-language call for participants
Georgian-language announcement