Pro, budding journalists converge at 1st DavNor AcadeMedia

DAVAO DEL NORTE, October 20, 2014 – Media practitioners and advocates, as well as, student journalists and their teachers/advisers learn the basics of video production and broadcast journalism during the 1st Davao del Norte AcadeMedia 2014.

The event is one of the five highlights of the month-long Provincial Press Freedom Month Celebration this year.

OIC-Provincial Information Officer Sofonias Gabonada, Jr. said the activity aims to increase the knowledge of the members of the media and introduce media theories and practices to student writers, while acquainting them with the policies and programs of the provincial government.

The participants were taught the basics of video production and broadcast journalism in three simultaneous workshops, particularly on Documentary on Local Development, Infomercial on Tourism and News Segment on Climate Change.

They gathered again for the plenary in the afternoon to discuss the production of their video workshop output, which will be presented during the Press Congress on October 28, 2014 at the RDR Gym in Mankilam, Tagum City.

The cast of lecturers and judges include, respectively, John Paul Seniel, Senior Desk Editor of GMA Network Davao, who is also the producer and host of the local documentary show Isyu Mindanao; Daryl Descallar, Davao-based Artist and Designer, who is involved in ad campaign development for tri-media; and, Keisha Therese Halili, former reporter of PTV4 Manila and TV5 Davao, who is now with the Provincial Information Office.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario reiterated the support of the province to media education, to media education, which is essential in attaining high quality reporting to attain greater government transparency and accountability.

“Media training is a vital area which we strongly encourage and support in building a progressive community that is empowered with adequate freedom of expression and information,” the governor said.

During the launch of the Press Freedom Month held earlier, del Rosario heralded his administration’s good rapport with the media.

“I think we are in good shape and don’t have a problem with the media,” he said, stressing the Fourth Estate’s crucial role in communicating government policies, programs and services to the public.

Other activities of the month-long celebration include Let’s Tour Talikud on October 17, Klima at Media on October 24, Press Congress on October 28 and Media Maglaro on October 31.(noel baguio/davnor pio)