AIPS Young Reporters Programme set to inspire in Riyadh 2024

AIPS Young Reporters Programme

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RIYADH, October 3, 2024 – In a vibrant display of international collaboration, young reporters from over 13 nationalities have joined Riyadh for the highly anticipated AIPS Young Reporters Programme, held in conjunction with the Saudi Games 2024. This remarkable initiative, running from October 1-8, is a joint effort between the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), the Saudi Ministry of Sports (MOS), and the Saudi Sports Media Federation (SSMF). It offers 19 aspiring sports journalists a unique platform to gain hands-on experience at one of the Middle East’s premier national sporting events.

HANDS-ON TRAINING The programme kicked off with a pre-event Zoom call on September 24, where participants were introduced to their mentors and briefed on the exciting week ahead. The young journalists are now fully immersed in a dynamic reporting schedule, professional development, and networking. This immersive experience is designed to sharpen their journalistic skills and equip them with a comprehensive understanding of sports media in an era of rapid technological and industry change.

Under the guidance of world-class mentors such as Riccardo Romani and Andreas Schirmer, participants will delve into critical topics, including the art of storytelling, navigating the challenges of modern media, and the evolving role of technology in sports journalism. By the end of the programme, these young reporters will have gained invaluable skills that will set them apart in the competitive world of sports journalism.

HIGHLIGHTS & SCHEDULE Throughout the week, the programme features a robust lineup of lectures designed to equip young journalists with critical skills for modern sports journalism. The sessions, led by esteemed mentors Riccardo Romani and Andreas Schirmer, cover a wide range of topics. Romani’s lectures focus on the transition to human-centred journalism, emphasizing creativity beyond smartphones, pitching compelling stories, and surviving in live television settings.

Schirmer’s sessions address the intricacies of good reporting, navigating news agencies amidst fake news, and how winning awards can boost journalistic careers. Additional topics include mastering interview techniques, the role of emotions in media interactions, and the potential impacts of AI on journalism and sports judging. These lectures offer a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises to prepare participants for real-world reporting challenges.

A PLATFORM FOR ASPIRING JOURNALISTS The AIPS Young Reporters Programme, first established on 2011 in Shenzhen - China, is globally renowned for cultivating the next generation of sports journalists, and the Riyadh edition promises to be no exception. By blending theoretical education with practical, in-the-field experience as the young reporters cover the Saudi Games 2024, they will gain firsthand experience of what it takes to report on large-scale international events, honing their writing, interviewing, and reporting skills in real time.

Stay tuned for daily updates and in-depth coverage from these emerging talents, reporting live from Riyadh as they share the stories behind the Saudi Games 2024.

PARTICIPANTS Below is the selection of young reporters, chosen by the AIPS Continental Sections: AIPS Africa, AIPS America, and AIPS Asia, alongside representatives selected by the host nation's national association: