Journalist Safety training workshop continues at FCCU

Lahore: Second Day of the Journalist Safety Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop at Forman Christian College University (FCCU) continued with a comprehensive agenda to enhance participants' practical skills and address challenges in implementing safety projects within their communities.

Running from May 13th to May 16th, 2024, the workshop, "News Safety: A Holistic Approach to Journalist Safety," is organized by FCCU in collaboration with the Journalism and Media International Centre (JMIC), OsloMet University.

The day's sessions commenced focusing on training methods as the main difference between teaching and learning. Participants engaged in creating a bank of training methods, sharing their experiences, and exploring the learning cycle. Practical exercises, including role-play and ice-breaking techniques, allowed attendees to actively participate and apply their newfound knowledge in creating safety exercises.

One of the highlights of the day was a session titled "Behind the Mask: Identity Challenges in the World of Deepfakes and AI," led by Ms. Asma Basharat, Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at FCCU. The session delved into the complexities of identity preservation amidst technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding journalists' identities in the digital age.

Following a brief break, participants delved into discussions on challenges encountered while implementing safety training and projects within their schools or local communities. Topics ranged from psychosocial safety and trauma management challenges to physical and digital obstacles. Exercises were conducted to facilitate the creation of mitigation strategies and action plans.

The day concluded with a closing ceremony graced by Dr. Altaf Ullah Khan, Dean of Humanities at FCCU, who emphasized the integrity of journalist safety in the era of prevalent social media. Dr. Firasat Jabeen, Head of the Department of Mass Communication at FCCU, expressed her gratitude for the continued collaboration between FCCU and Oslo Metropolitan University for five years, underscoring the importance of such partnerships in fostering excellence in journalism education.

The event culminated with a certificate distribution ceremony, marking the successful completion of Day 2 of the workshop.