Stallion Times, a start-up independent online newspaper based in Kano, on October 19, 2023, conducted a workshop to enhance the multimedia skills of over 40 journalists in Kano. The training, held at the Conference Hall of the Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, was a part of Stallion Times’ series of training programmes under the “Get Involved, Dialogue and Improve (G-DRIP)” project, supported by the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and the MacArthur Foundation.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Isiyaku Ahmed, the Editor-in-Chief and Project Director of G-DRIP, disclosed that the training was aimed at introducing journalists to the concept of multimedia newsroom storytelling that caters to diverse audiences and platforms.
He also stressed the need for reporters and editors to be equipped with the essential skills that enable them to tell stories in social spaces, which attract substantial audiences.
He said, “News organizations have moved to the multimedia, using multi-platforms to tell stories. It is not just spreadsheets where journalists can find information worthy of the news.
“We at Stallion Times recognize the importance of embracing and using new technologies and platforms to effectively convey stories that resonate with the audience in the digital age.”
Professor Mainassara Kurfi from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano (BUK) took participants through the rudiments of investigative reporting and the use of technology for investigative reports in multimedia newsrooms.
Prof. Kurfi noted that journalists could leverage multimedia for investigative reports, shedding light on the inner workings of governments and institutions, thus promoting transparency and enhancing public trust.
He urged journalists to stay updated on industry trends and technological advancements while they diversify their practice by utilizing various tools and gaining hands-on experience with different multimedia technologies.
Mr. Abdullahi Isah, a journalist with Saleh Radio in Kano, pointed out the positive impact of the training on his career. He said; “My news reporting skills have significantly improved, and I appreciate the organizers’ efforts,” promising to utilize the acquired multimedia skills to create content that better serves his target audience.
Comrade Ibrahim Abbas, the Kano State NUJ Chairman, acknowledged the timeliness of the training, stating that journalists must be well-versed in multimedia to stay current with evolving realities in the digital era. He encouraged journalists to leverage the newly acquired skills to enhance their storytelling capabilities.
