20 Journalists Shortlisted for ‘Digital Storytelling’ Fellowship

News Desk

Islamabad: The selection process for the ‘Truth Matters: Empowering Journalists through Digital Storytelling’ fellowship, part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Impact Award, was finalized on Tuesday. Training for the fellowship will commence in October 2024.

Led by Kashmiri journalist Faiza Gillani, the fellowship aims to equip 20 journalists—15 from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and 5 from other regions of Pakistan—with vital skills in digital journalism, fact-checking, and AI-driven investigative storytelling. These skills are becoming increasingly important in the battle against misinformation in a social media-dominated world.

“This training is crucial for journalists confronting disinformation, especially in Pakistan and Kashmir, where security challenges and undercover reporting often come with serious risks,” Gillani stated. “We cannot overlook the importance of AI and fact-checking in today’s journalism, where misinformation can spread rapidly through digital platforms,” she added.

The program will offer selected journalists access to expert trainers, resources, and mentorship, empowering them to address these evolving challenges. Gillani stressed the importance of preparing journalists with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of today’s media landscape.

She also highlighted the unique challenges faced by journalists in Kashmir, particularly the lack of access to information due to the absence of right-to-information laws. “Journalists in Kashmir are especially vulnerable because they lack access to crucial information, leaving them susceptible to false narratives and making their work more difficult,” she explained.

Gillani emphasized that this fellowship aims to bridge these gaps by equipping journalists with the skills and resilience needed to produce accurate, impactful stories.

The ‘Truth Matters’ fellowship is part of a broader effort to strengthen the media landscape in Pakistan and Kashmir. By focusing on AI-based techniques, fact-checking, investigative journalism, and digital storytelling, the program seeks to create a more robust and credible media environment.

Gillani believes these tools are not only essential for maintaining the integrity of journalism but also for ensuring the safety of journalists. “In regions where journalists are frequently targeted for their work, having the right skills can be a matter of personal safety,” she noted.

The training, spanning several weeks, will conclude with participants showcasing investigative projects that demonstrate the practical impact of their training, underscoring the importance of fact-based journalism in combating misinformation.