Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority has successfully wrapped up the fifth edition of CNN Academy, bolstering the emirate's growing reputation as a global center for media training and talent cultivation.
This three-week program united a diverse range of budding journalists and storytellers, providing them with hands-on training in production, digital storytelling, and multiplatform journalism. Aimed at narrowing the gap between classroom learning and real-life newsroom experiences, this edition emphasized professional readiness and industry connections.
Introduction of the First Job Fair
A significant milestone this year was the introduction of the program's inaugural job fair, designed to facilitate participants' transitions from training to professional roles. This event connected current participants with alumni from previous editions, granting them direct access to recruitment leaders from prominent media and creative sectors.
Students engaged in preliminary interviews, discovered internship avenues, and forged professional relationships with industry employers. Companies represented included MarketingEnds, Factor31, Edelman, Brunswick, Frontier25, Abu Dhabi Media Network, Starzplay, and Forbes Middle East, illustrating the strong ties between the academy and the industry.
Training Led by Experts with Global Insights
This edition offered a robust lineup of workshops and training sessions led by CNN anchors, correspondents, and technical experts, along with global leaders in the field. These sessions highlighted crucial topics like ethical journalism, climate issues, health communications, youth empowerment, and advanced digital storytelling techniques.
Notable speakers included Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Dr. Paul Spiegel, Mamadou Sow, Hannah Cockburn-Logie, and Amir Berenjian. Their insights significantly enriched students' understanding of media's evolving role in global challenges.
Diverse Academic and International Participation
This year’s academy attracted students from leading institutions across the UAE, Europe, Asia, and the US. UAEs colleges like Abu Dhabi University, Al Ain University, and Higher Colleges of Technology provided official academic credits for students, while Zayed University offered a special certificate to its attendees.
International students also came from CNN Academy Erbil, University College Dublin, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Hong Kong Chu Hai College, Johns Hopkins University, and Northwestern University in Qatar, with many specifically traveling to Abu Dhabi for Simulation Week, emphasizing the capital's role in global talent development.
Emphasis on Community Storytelling
Aligned with the UAE's Year of Community, this year's theme was Community Storytelling. Participants delved into how storytelling shapes public awareness, fosters social cohesion, and captures lived experiences through interviews, field reporting, written features, and newsroom simulations.
Commitment to Growing the Creative Industry
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the Creative Media Authority, remarked that the academy is crucial in empowering youth and supporting the creative sector. He stated, “This fifth edition of CNN Academy underscores the vital role of strategic alliances in enhancing skills and expanding opportunities for budding media professionals.”
Becky Anderson, Managing Editor at CNN Abu Dhabi, emphasized the lasting impact this program has on graduates, saying, “Hundreds of CNN Academy alumni are making their mark worldwide, employing the knowledge and skills acquired here.” This program is integral to their education and the broader media landscape at a pivotal time for journalism.
Career Opportunities Beyond the Academy
CNN Academy Abu Dhabi continues to pave the way for career opportunities in the creative media sector. Graduates frequently secure full-time and part-time careers, internships, and project-based roles with entities like CNN Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Media Office, twofour54, Bidaya Media, and the Creative Media Authority.
Many also participate in significant local, regional, and global screen projects, contributing to a growing pool of skilled professionals that support Abu Dhabi's and the UAE's expanding creative and media landscape.
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