Association of Journalists (AoJ) Held Training Camp on Investigative Journalism
During the 5-day training camp, young journalists worked with experts on the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, data journalism, news visualisation and verification mechanisms.
The journalists also met with leading figures in investigative journalism in Türkiye and had the opportunity to discuss the challenges, threats and opportunities.
The camp included workshops, group discussions and film screenings, as well as question-and-answer sessions and chat sessions to share experiences.
‘JOURNALISM IS NOT JUST A PROFESSION, IT IS A WAY OF LIFE’
Nazmi Bilgin, President of the Association of Journalists, opened the camp. Emphasising that the courage of journalists is needed for the media to get out of the period of repression, Bilgin said: ‘Our profession does not tolerate fear. Journalism is not only a profession but a way of life. If you have no love for this profession, you can not do this job.’
Nazmi Bilgin wished that young journalists would leave the camp with skills that would make them feel confident and strong.
In the opening session, journalist İbrahim Gündüz, who took part in last year’s training camp, gave information on the principles of investigative journalism and made suggestions on the process of preparing and publishing micro projects in the light of last year’s experiences.
In the afternoon session, Prof. Dr. Erkan Saka gave a lecture and workshop on big data and data validation methods.
In the evening session, the film 12 Angry Men was screened. Media Ombudsman Faruk Bildirici discussed the film with young journalists and exchanged ideas on the concept of truth and the importance of the scepticism.
On the second day of the camp, Journalist Önder Doğan gave information on how to utilise national and international open data sources. His presentation was followed by a workshop.
In the afternoon, young Investigative Journalist Kıvanç El shared his experience on research files, the challenges he faced and how he overcame them.
In the evening chat, Communicator-Writer Ümit Alan gave information on the use of artificial intelligence and the future of journalism.
On the third day, discussion session was held with the Editorial Group of the Association of Journalists about the participants’ news proposals and implementation of micro projects.
In the afternoon, economics journalist Erdoğan Süzer gave a training on how to access and report economic and social data.
In the evening, investigative journalist Çiğdem Toker shared her experiences on the transition from specialised reporter to investigative journalist and gave information about the lawsuits filed against her.
YOUNG JOURNALISTS VISITED THE PARLIAMENT
On the fourth day, Özgür Kurtuluş, an expert in digital capacity building and communications, gave a lecture and workshop on the use of artificial intelligence in journalism.
In the afternoon, Journalist Tolga Şardan talked about his experiences as a police reporter, his research files and the process of preparing the book ‘Communist Nazım Hikmet’.
After the question and answer session, the evening guest, Journalist-Writer Tarık Işık, made statements on parliamentary reporting and the perspective of investigative journalism.
On the final day, Academician Pınar Dağ gave a training on data journalism, data literacy and data visualisation.
In the afternoon, young journalists visited the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. They were hosted by Kemal Aktaş, the President of the Parliamentary Correspondents Association. The young journalists visited the press corridor, meeting rooms and the General Assembly hall.
The young journalists also visited the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, and were briefed on the work of his party and the Parliament.
