“If you want to develop another person's knowledge you need to develop your own knowledge first,” said a senior reporter from the Lao National Radio network during a workshop on new media and social media this week.
Lao National Radio, in collaboration with AIBD, organised the 4 day mobile journalism workshop in new media, social media and radio production for staff from different media organisations from Vientiane capital. Altogether there were 28 participants in the course, which took place between 11-14 June, at the Lao National Radio headquarters.
Phosy Keomanivong, Director General of LNR was present at the launch of the course, along with Somsavath Phongsa, DDG of the MICT's Mass Media Department and Vorasack Pravongviengkham DDG of LNR.
International trainer Steve Ahern led the workshop.
On 13th August 1960 the Lao Radio of the Pathet Lao was launched in Viengxay, Houaphanh Province in the northern part of Laos, and has been broadcasting continually to the present day. There are now 5 channels in the national radio, one AM, one shortwave and 3 FM channels, covering official news, music and a range of formats. The national broadcaster has plans to go digital in the future.
This workshop is a milestone for the journalists of the Lao PDR, at international level. The participants gained experience during the practical work of the course. They learnt a lot including technology useful to their everyday work, planning their work, and team work.
“I discovered that a smart phone is not only a phone. I realise that I can use this tool for live reporting and we can be online as fast as possible… I am now convinced that one person can be multi-tasked,” said Bounthanom from the Traffic Network.
“It was very different for me during this training… the simulation exercise made me rush the clock, which I am not used to, but it was exciting. This experience will help me meet tight deadlines,” said webmaster Phaksavah.
“I think we should all train and develop ourselves by practicing these new skills,” said Sombath from Lao Radio News.
Sammieng commented: “Reading news live was a great experience for me because I do not usually do that. I was happy to learn and really liked the team work, This workshop will definitely improve my everyday work.”
The participants created two social media pages to showcase their work. You can see the work at the sites below and the embedded videos.
Reporting by Lao National Radio journalists.