Some radio broadcasters in Nigeria have benefitted from data journalism training to improve their productivity on the job.
The training organised by the Broadcast Radio Master Class with support from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development was aimed at harnessing the potential of data-driven storytelling to revolutionise radio broadcasting in Nigeria.
According to a release, throughout the programme, Nigerian radio professionals, including presenters, content producers, news editors, and reporters, were immersed in a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance their storytelling capabilities through the integration of data journalism.
BRMC stated that the training underscored the importance of data in crafting compelling narratives, offering participants the tools and techniques to make their broadcasts more engaging and impactful.
“This collaboration comes at a crucial time when the media landscape is rapidly evolving, emphasising the importance of data-driven storytelling. Data journalism is a powerful tool that can significantly elevate the quality of content and enable broadcasters to engage their audience in more meaningful ways,” said BRMC’s founder and Executive Director, Fola Folayan.
“Through this partnership with CJID, we are excited to offer participants comprehensive training in data journalism, access to industry experts, networking opportunities, and a certificate of completion,” she added.
She declared that the participants were introduced to the fundamentals of data journalism, emphasising its critical role in effective communication.
“The training programme provided a deep dive into storytelling with data, showcasing how data visualisations can be seamlessly incorporated into radio narratives to captivate listeners and enrich the broadcasting content.
“The training featured sessions led by renowned data journalism experts. Sotiris Sideris, an award-winning journalist known for his extensive work in collaborative and cross-border journalism, shared his insights on the global landscape of data-driven storytelling,” she noted.
She added that Kehinde Ogunyale, a seasoned freelance data journalist, offered practical advice and techniques, drawing from his vast experience in the field.
“Beyond the acquisition of new skills, the programme fostered networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with industry peers and professionals.
“We believe that this training program will not only equip radio broadcasters with the necessary skills to effectively incorporate data journalism into their broadcasts but also empower them to create more engaging and impactful content, ultimately enhancing their ability to inform and inspire their audience,” Folayan concluded.