The pilot project was set on the premise that, when media present contents on violent extremism or so, they do not provide the readers a complete understanding on different aspects of a situation. This happens because media professionals lack proper understanding and skills to deal with new situations, for example extremism and its dynamics that are emerging over time. Journalism, particularly at district level, is considerably predated for which in-depth coverage of an issue is rarely happen. For this media are not able to perform their primary roles such as informing, educating, persuading and building positive opinions. The project addressed the motivational and capacity gaps among the journalists.

Objective

• Selected journalists are trained on issue based journalistic techniques and violent extremism issues.
• Quality issue-based reports on preventing violent extremism produced for print and electronic media.
• Improved report on violent extremism leading to an increased understanding and awareness of these issues.

Major Activities

• Research: assess training needs which included desk study, two focus group discussions, and depth interviews.
• Course development: based on research findings, a training module was developed for a two-day training course.
• Providing training: after identifying and selecting, two training were delivered in Dhaka and Rajshahi for 50 journalists.
• Post-training activity: provided mentorship.
• Award: best media reports developed by the trainees were awarded.

Project Period

This project was funded by  the USAID’s Obirodh – Road to Tolerance program.