A six-part virtual training programme for journalists in India has been launched by WAN-Ifra.

Supported by the Learn with Facebook Journalism Project, it aims to help journalists work in the new circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and is conceptualised to be completely delivered in virtual learning mode.

The programme focussed on digital skills development for journalists, comprises webinars and one-to-one virtual coaching to impart skills in digital storytelling, and runs from May 27 to July 2.

It will give participants insights about writing for digital, thinking visually about content, making stories discoverable and using tools to increase productivity. The programme schedule is as follows:

Writing for digital, May 26-27;

Digital marketing for journalists, June 3-4;

Thinking visually about content, June 10-11;

SEO best practices, June 17-18;

Building your personal brand on social media, June 14-25; and

Productivity tools for project management, July 1-2.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the news media industry like never before, and the role of news publishers as the authentic source of news has become more important than ever," says WAN-Ifra South Asia managing director Magdoom Mohamed.

"During these times, it is imperative that the journalists upskill and equip themselves to address the information needs of the society. We are happy to partner with Facebook Journalism Project to address this skill gap and to play a part in helping the industry face the new challenge".

Each module will be taught by industry experts and veterans including Prem Panicker, Alok Agarwal, Veda Shastri and Sunil Prabhakar. Participants will also get additional one-to-one coaching sessions to apply the learning in the class to real life.

The programme will follow a webinar format on day 1, open to journalists in India. Day 2 will see one-to-one virtual coaching for a limited number of participants.

At the end of the programme, participants selected for one-to-one coaching will showcase their projects. The best five projects will win a pair of tickets each to attend in Chennai on September 23-24.

Participants will be able to follow the webinar on Facebook Live, with details shared following registration. To register for the webinar, visit https://events.wan-ifra.org/events/journalism-for-the-new-normal-training-in-the-times-of-covid-19-and-beyond.