BY JOY OFASIA
JOURNALISTS, technical staff, and media production personnel from the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) and Sunday Isles joined forces for a transformative one-day Mobile Journalism (MoJo) training in Honiara.
The day’s training held at the new MASI office at the NPF Plaza in Point Cruz on Monday, 25 November, was designed to empower journalists, technical staff, and production staff to enhance their visual storytelling skills. Many participants were already familiar with the basics of camera work and photography, but this workshop allowed them to expand their knowledge on using mobile devices for professional journalism.
The workshop was made possible thanks to funding from the Australian Government through the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) in partnership with the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI). As part of the initiative, each participating organisation received a new MoJo kit, marking the beginning of a new era in mobile journalism for the Solomon Islands.
The training is a significant step forward in equipping local media professionals with the latest tools and skills to capture and tell compelling stories. With the MoJo kit and newly gained skills, the attendees are now better equipped to produce professional content, whether covering breaking news or creating feature stories, all from the palm of their hands.
The session was led by Julie Hornsey, a renowned Australian mobile journalism trainer with over 30 years of experience as a cameraperson and editor. Julie’s expertise and hands-on approach made the training both engaging and educational for the local newsroom attendees.
During the training, participants were introduced to several key concepts, including:
- Capturing Creativity: An introduction to the fundamentals of photography, focusing on techniques to enhance visual storytelling.
- MoJo: The PACMAS/ABC Mobile Journalism Journey: A deep dive into the evolution and benefits of MoJo, as well as its impact on newsrooms across the Pacific region.
- MoJo Kit Introduction: An overview of the equipment provided in the MoJo kit, with practical demonstrations of its features and functionalities.
- Shot by Shot: A hands-on session where participants learnt how to capture creative and engaging visuals using their new MoJo kits.
“This training is an invaluable opportunity to learn new skills and improve our storytelling ability,” said journalist Chris Alex from the Sunday Isles. “With the MoJo kits, we now have the tools to create high-quality content right from our smartphones, making us more resourceful and active in the newsroom.”
