In today’s digital age, journalism is no longer limited to print publications and television news programs. It has evolved and it currently involves interacting with audiences across platforms and using cutting-edge technology to tell compelling stories. Mobile storytelling and youth participatory radio are two effective tools in the journalism training toolkit that can be used.
Mobile storytelling is a form of digital storytelling where a smartphone is the main device used for news gathering and content creation. It’s an effective way to create engaging multimedia content that can be shared on social media and other digital platforms. On Monday 3rd April, 2023 , the MCI team pitched camp at the Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) to share approaches to mobile storytelling and explore the opportunities offered by these “pocket studios.”
Snapshots from the #MCIMobileNewsroom mobile storytelling training at @umunkozi.
The program is supported by @KasUganda and @dw_akademie . pic.twitter.com/xY4pz9xgl7
— Media Challenge Initiative (@IMChallengeug) April 4, 2023
Uganda Martyrs University is located along the Equator at Nkozi, Mpigi District approximately 85 km west of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. UMU is situated along the Equator with an environmentally friendly campus; ideal for study, learning and reflection and a beautiful view of Lake Victoria. Our Head of Training , Antonio Kisembo emphasised that with mobile journalism, journalists can produce videos, podcasts, and interactive graphics that capture the attention of audiences and provide a more immersive storytelling experience.
MCI Radio’s Ali Kakembo shared key insights into podcasting with the Uganda Martyrs University students on Tuesday 4th April. A podcast is a program made available in digital format for download over the Internet. The students recorded podcasts and presented them before Ali and he shared constructive feedback on how to improve their radio storytelling skills. Podcasts engage young people as producers and hosts and this empowers young people to tell their stories and share their perspectives on issues that are vital to them.
Our very own @MCIRadioUg Manager Kakembo Ali shares key insights on podcasting with the @umunkozi journalism students at the #MCIMobileNewsroom training.
This program is supported by @dw_akademie and @KasUganda . pic.twitter.com/29E4qlQ5Z5
— Media Challenge Initiative (@IMChallengeug) April 5, 2023
On Wednesday 5th April , we concluded by conducting auditions in news anchoring and reporting at the Nkozi based university to wrap up the 13th edition of Inter-Institutional Media Challenge (IMC) .
.@umunkozi's Sister Dennis Samanya listens keenly to the news anchors' presentations at the #MCIMobileNewsroom auditions.
This program is supported by the @dw_akademie , @KasUganda and @SegalFoundation. pic.twitter.com/0IH0fkneon
— Media Challenge Initiative (@IMChallengeug) April 6, 2023
The objective of this IMC training is to introduce young journalists to the media industry, foster partnerships, harness expertise, and position them for successful careers in the media sphere. This program is proudly supported by the DW Akademie, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) in Uganda and South Sudan and the Segal Family Foundation.