For citizen journalism to be right we must create a team of reporters who are typically excluded from, or misrepresented by, the mainstream media such as low-income women, minorities and young people. These groups have little access to the media and advertisers are generally not interested in them.

The course in community journalism provides members of the public and representatives of community and minority groups with the skills and knowledge to tell their story to a wide audience. Equally suitable for newcomers to writing and for those involved in the production of newssheets, the course will equip participants with the skills to deliver their news.

The course will cover all aspects of reporting, including:

• Selecting and clarifying the message or story

• Identifying an appropriate audience

• How to write news which is authentic, strategic and pragmatic

• Understanding of modern media

• Understanding of political processes in order to effect change

• How to get your voice heard

This course will involve writing, the use of the English language and basic I.T.  However, anyone wishing to take an active part in the production of community news who does not have these skills, may still be able to achieve their own learning outcomes using verbal contributions.

The training school provides full access to the Community Media Hub’s many resources including:

• YouTube video channel – ‘CommMediaHub’

• Flickr – Photostream – ‘Community Media Hub’

• Facebook – the use of the Community Media Hub and The2

• Citizens’ Eye Community Radio – Enterprise Radio supported …community news channel

• Community News Bulletin – issued weekly, contains community …news compiled by the agencies of the Community Media Hub

If you would like to get involved please come and visit on Saturdays 12-3.30pm in the Learning Annex of the Learning & Information Library.