Improving editorial values and journalism ethics is a priority

The 23-week training programme for 198 Moroccan broadcasters concentrates on editorial values and journalism ethics, as part of a co-operation agreement between the Trust and SNRT. Training for managers and trainers will also be included, as well as radio and television workshops.

The Trust is providing essential editorial training to enable SNRT to better serve the interests of its Moroccan audiences.   Juliette Harkin, project manager

Juliette Harkin, Project Manager, adds: 'at a time when broadcasters are facing increasingly fierce competition from other Arab channels and from other national media, the Trust is providing essential editorial training to enable SNRT to better serve the interests of its Moroccan audiences.

'This is the first training project we have run in Morocco and follows the success of training programmes in Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Yemen where the Trust has contributed significantly to raising journalistic standards for media professionals.'

The training project is part of the Trust’s Media Dialogue Programme, established in April 2004, which seeks training partnerships with Arab media organisations committed to the training and development of their staff.

The training programme began in October and will continue until March 2007.

Training courses are taking place at the Rabat Journalism Institute, l’Institut Supérieur de l’Information et de la Communication.

Led by BBC senior radio trainer, Jean-Michel Duffrène, the aim of the programme is to provide editorial training for all radio and television journalists, including staff from regional stations. Twelve weeks will be conducted in Arabic and six in French.

The initiative is supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Global Opportunities Fund.