On April 25, the international certificate course “Truthful Reporting: Even When It Hurts” for journalism students concluded. The course was organized by the non-governmental organization “Platform of Student Journalism” in partnership with Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University.
The guest lecturer for the final meeting was Austin Malloy, an American journalist, multimedia editor, and video journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Austin has extensive experience working in post-Soviet countries, including stints at the Kyiv Post and Voice of America. He shared his perspectives on the journalism profession in modern times and talked about his own professional journey. Responding to students’ questions, the guest emphasized that despite the rapid pace of information technology development, the fundamental skill for journalists remains creating texts.
In total, students from ten universities in Ukraine participated in the course, including:
Volodymyr Dahl Eastern Ukrainian National University
Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University
Ivan Franko Lviv National University
King Danylo University (Ivano-Frankivsk)
Ivan Franko Zhytomyr State University
National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”
Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University
Sumy State University
State University of Trade and Economics
Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University
Course participants shared their impressions and thoughts on the importance of such events for the professional training of future journalists:
Sofia K., Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University:
The course program impresses with its diversity and depth of expert knowledge offered to students. This creates an excellent opportunity for participants to gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that will be useful in future journalistic activities.
Olga P., Ivan Franko Lviv National University:
I have positive emotions because the lectures themselves were very interesting and informative. It was interesting to listen to experienced people, their advice, and instructions. Another plus was that the lecturers communicated in English.
Diana D., Ivan Franko Lviv National University:
I particularly enjoyed Andrew L. Gerelli’s lecture, where we analyzed the film “20 Days in Mariupol.” The journalism and literature lecturer at the Anglo-American University gave us his review of the film. He also showed us his own documentary about the war in Ukraine and told us about the stories of refugees he had the opportunity to talk to in Poland during the full-scale invasion.
Natalia P., Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University:
Thank you for the interesting and informative course “True Reporting: Even When It Hurts.” On the one hand, it was interesting to test my knowledge of the English language, at some points it was difficult to understand certain things, but it made me realize that it requires practice and even more study. On the other hand, it was extremely interesting to listen to professionals in their field and their experience. It is important that each lecturer has achieved a lot in their field, so the information they gave us is very valuable. I hope there will be similar events in the future because I would really like to join something like this again!
Alicia D., Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University:
The course inspired new ideas and approaches in my own work. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this course.
Eugene P., Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University:
I am a student of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. I also work as a journalist, and for me, it was important to absorb and listen to the experience of speakers specifically on journalistic reporting! It is an interesting genre, and my readers like it. Thank you for the new experience!
Alina K., Ivan Franko Lviv National University:
A very interesting course that expanded understanding of journalism. It is extremely valuable to communicate with professional foreign journalists. This motivates to develop this profession in Ukraine and take it to a new level. I realized how important our role as future journalists is in this society.
Diana P., King Danylo University:
An especially important aspect for me was the English-language conduct of the course, as it is extremely useful, not only for journalists. I liked that the speakers shared their experience and knowledge. Overall, I would rate this course 9/10. I believe it will indeed be useful for society and especially for journalism professionals.
