CNN opens first training academy for journalists in Abu Dhabi

Broadcasting major CNN has announced that it will launch its first training academy for journalists in Abu Dhabi.

The CNN Academy will start a full-time five-week course with a combination of online learning sessions and in-person workshops.

The classes will begin in January 2021 and will be conducted at CNN’s Abu Dhabi bureau located at twofour54.

Applications for the academy are open to those above 21 years of age, based out of the UAE or the region. Entry requirements include a one-minute video, demonstrating suitability for the course and a written pitch outlining a story idea for the CNN audience.

The last date to apply for a seat at the academy is October 31.

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The academy will be led by a team of experienced journalists, content creators and production specialists from around the world.

Students will learn industry skills including broadcast engineering, field production, interview and information gathering techniques, how to verify sources and create content across all platforms.

The syllabus will include insights into CNN Arabic and the local media landscape along with digital storytelling, mobile journalism, photography and post-production, the news major said in a press statement.

The best work created by students will also be featured on CNN’s broadcast channels.

Becky Anderson, managing editor of CNN Abu Dhabi and anchor of Connect the World will lead some of the curriculum.

“CNN Academy Abu Dhabi marks the latest step in CNN’s continued support of local learning and development and supplements our internship schemes, community work and partnership with the ZHO around People with Determination. With 40 years of news gathering and over a decade of producing and broadcasting in the Middle East, CNN is able to offer extensive insights into the culture, economics, innovation and global impact that the region has,” said Anderson.

“Some of CNN’s most memorable and important journalism has taken place here in the Middle East, a region which has continued to grow in importance to our network through Abu Dhabi being one of our major global hubs and with the growth of CNN Arabic. CNN Academy is our latest commitment to the region as we foster the growth of quality journalism and champion local talent in Abu Dhabi, a place we’ve called home for almost 11 years,” added Rani Raad, president of CNN commercial worldwide.