News
EU, UNESCO and Jordan Media Institute deliver radio broadcasting training
In Irbid and Ma鈥檃n, youth have been provided with intensive training focused on radio broadcasting, linked to human rights and media information literacy (MIL). The training falls under the umbrella of the 鈥淵outh Empowerment鈥 project, funded by the European Union (EU). The project works to advance MIL as a holistic response to foster safe and ethical use, consumption and production of media and internet among youth in Jordan. Implemented by the UNESCO Amman office, with strong collaboration and generous funding from the EU, the project is being carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of State for Media Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the media community and civil society in Jordan.
Twenty-five trainees from Yarmouk FM in Irbid and a further 25 participants from Sawt al Janoub Radio in Ma鈥檃n, each undertook the four-day training program at their respective radio stations. The sessions focused on how to cover sensitive topics responsibly during radio broadcasts. These issues ranged from gender to human rights to hate speech and more. The workshop was conducted in partnership with Jordan Media Institute (JMI).
Ms. Eliana Mehdawi, a volunteer at Yarmouk FM, has been impressed by the training. 鈥淚 did not expect that the training would be so comprehensive; it covered many aspects of radio work. I thought it would be limited to concepts of MIL but we actually learnt a lot about the methods of using MIL, how to verify sources, prepare for radio programmes, and devise alternative plans in critical situation. I will employ the acquired skills in my upcoming work in producing, preparing and presenting radio programmes鈥. Ms. Mehdawi recommends that all citizens be equipped with MIL skills, which are directly linked to critical thinking skills. 鈥淚 have broadened my perspective since the training workshop; I have increased my awareness about some concepts that I previously thought I had sufficient knowledge of鈥.
Strengthening MIL skills falls within UNESCO鈥檚 mandate of encouraging freedom of expression. The objectives of the 鈥淵outh Empowerment鈥 project align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically targeting Sustainable Development Goal 16, which strives to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies. UNESCO strongly believes that MIL supports the development of inclusive knowledge societies, encouraging the active engagement of youth through information and communication technologies, drawing on relevant quality content, based on human rights and dignity.
