Frequency+ Training for Radio Journalists

The Frequency+ 2-Day Training was designed for capacity building of radio journalists and equipping them with the tools, techniques, and digital skills essential for modern broadcasting. Held in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Quetta, the workshops focused on enhancing digital capabilities, including AI integration in radio programming and podcast production. A total of 108 radio professionals (50 women and 58 men) were trained, including RJs, program managers, station heads, and producers, ensuring gender inclusion and regional diversity.

U.S.-based media expert Steven Youngblood, Program Coordinator at the East-West Center (EWC), led the training alongside a team of industry professionals. The trainers included Ayaz Khan, Founder of MoJo Pakistan; Attique Rafique Memon, Station In-Charge of ZAB FM 106.6; Mushoud Ali, Media Expert and Trainer; Nasser Rind, CEO of Pawaal Films; and Muhammad Ashfaque, Broadcast Journalist. The sessions explored emerging trends in radio media, AI-driven programming, scripting, editing, and effective storytelling for podcasts and broadcasts.

The program focused on providing practical skills and knowledge to enhance the technical and creative aspects of radio journalism, equipping participants with the ability to adapt to the new digital broadcasting landscape.

Training Approach

The training followed an interactive and hands-on approach, utilizing a combination of theoretical sessions and practical exercises. Localized and region-specific examples were shared to ensure relevance and engagement, and the use of local languages helped participants understand the content in their native dialects.

The training included podcast production workshops, where participants were introduced to key aspects such as scripting, recording, editing, and producing podcasts, which are increasingly becoming a popular format in radio journalism. AI-based tools and digital content strategies were also discussed to help radio journalists expand their reach and create more engaging content for broader audiences.

Objectives of the Training

The core objectives of the Frequency+ 2-Day Training included:

  • Enhancing Digital Radio Content Creation: Equip radio journalists with the knowledge to produce engaging digital content, focusing on podcasting and audience interaction through modern digital tools.
  • Building Technical Skills in Audio Editing and Digital Broadcasting: Provide participants with hands-on training in advanced audio editing software, broadcasting platforms, and digital tools used to enhance production value.
  • Promoting Collaboration and Networking Among Journalists: Facilitate networking opportunities, allowing journalists from different regions to collaborate on projects and share insights about their local broadcasting challenges and solutions.
  • Raising Awareness on AI and Digital Tools in Journalism: Introduce AI-driven technologies and innovative digital tools that are revolutionizing radio broadcasting, enabling journalists to engage more effectively with their audiences.

Delivery of Content

The content delivery was designed to create an immersive and engaging learning experience:

  • Engaging Welcome and Icebreaking Activity: Participants were given the chance to meet and connect, promoting a collaborative atmosphere right from the start.
  • Customized Presentations: Facilitators presented tailored sessions each day, aligned with the training objectives and local context.
  • Use of Local Languages: Training was conducted in local languages to ensure that all participants fully understood the material and felt comfortable participating.
  • Distribution of Handouts and Learning Resources: Both digital and physical materials were provided, including strategies for writing podcasts and broadcast and AI tools for broadcasting.
  • Guest Speaker Sessions: Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi praised radio’s capacity to swiftly disseminate essential information, ensuring that even the most remote communities remain informed during times of need. Senior Journalist and President of PULSE (USA) Faysal Aziz Khan addressed challenges facing Pakistan’s radio industry and call for mitigation strategies to revitalize the radio.
  • Participant Feedback: Participants were encouraged to provide feedback throughout the program, ensuring continuous improvement and relevance in future trainings.