The Ethical Charter for Syrian Media “ECSM” concluded today, Tuesday, the activities of the training workshop on information sources’ role in promoting freedom of opinion and expression, via the “ZOOM” application. The workshop, which took place on April 29th and 30th, saw the participation of 19 journalists, mostly operating within Syria.
The daily program of the training was divided into two main sessions, led by media strategic expert Mahmoud Abdulhadi, running from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and included practical activities and applications on dealing with information sources and maximizing their utility.
On the first day, the trainer discussed the importance of information sources and how to deal with them, aiming to deepen the understanding of journalists and media professionals regarding sources of information, their types, handling protocols, and usage guidelines. Information is vital for journalists as it forms the basis of news stories, informing the public about realities, directing public opinion, and enhancing analysis and positions. The trainer also highlighted ethical guidelines for handling information, including accuracy, impartiality, safe transmission, and caution against biased or fabricated information.
The session included practical exercises on searching for information sources, guidance on searching in Arabic and foreign sources, and how to utilize them in journalistic material preparation. The trainer elaborated on information source search guidelines.
The trainer explained methods for journalists to verify information, emphasizing the importance of identifying the source, assessing the content’s credibility, checking publication sources, and ensuring information from reputable sources. Practical examples were provided.
During the second session, the trainer discussed journalistic information sources, including journalists (reporters and event coverage), event parties, news agencies, media institutions, guests, the audience, popular press, archives, and social media platforms. Additionally, archival and collaborative information sources and usage protocols were reviewed, followed by practical applications on search engines, social media platforms, and areas of artificial intelligence usage and troubleshooting.
On the second day, the trainer elucidated the relationship between information sources and freedom of opinion and expression, and how to utilize information to promote journalistic freedom of opinion and expression. The general concept of freedom of opinion and expression was explained in the context of professional journalism and media institutions, alongside editorial policies’ role in directing opinion and expression.
Types of media institutions, in terms of ownership, purpose, means, functions, audience, specialization, were discussed, with participant queries addressed during the session. The position of freedom of opinion and expression in journalistic work templates was reviewed, highlighting the article as the foremost arena in this regard.
The second day’s activities concluded with a review of the most prominent international and local laws concerning freedom of opinion and expression, access to information, and institutions protecting these rights and defending journalists. A practical application session on these topics was included.
Regarding her participation in the training workshop, journalist Lauren Sabri stated, “The workshop was very useful and productive, as it played a significant role in adding important information that we were not previously aware of. We gained a good amount of information, advice, and sources that we should rely on in our journalistic work and how to apply them.” She emphasized the importance and benefit of the practical applications integrated into the two-day workshop.
Journalist Ahmad Barbour thanked the ECSM for organizing the training workshop, affirming it as “an important step in enhancing freedom of opinion and expression.” He noted that the workshop provided an ideal platform for journalists to exchange experiences and continuous learning, which in itself was a significant achievement.
He emphasized the importance of focusing on information sources and their role in journalism, as accuracy and reliability in the news presented are the backbone of journalists’ credibility. The workshop helped participants understand the challenges they face in the modern media environment and how to effectively overcome them.
He further added that there was a strong emphasis during the sessions on the importance of verifying information and maintaining transparency in reports and news. He stated, “This makes workshops like these necessary for any journalist seeking to improve their skills and elevate the level of journalistic work. The discussions among colleagues were rich in information and added a lot to my knowledge.” He confirmed that the workshop provided valuable additions that would benefit his journalistic work and interaction with the audience.
Journalist Muneera Baloush echoed similar sentiments, stating, “The training was extremely important for us as journalists working in the media field. It clarified and explained the concepts and principles of journalistic work in a simplified yet academic manner.” She noted an increase in her understanding of the importance of information sources and their role in enhancing freedom of opinion and expression, along with expanding her knowledge in research methods and obtaining information professionally, while distinguishing between media terminologies.
Journalist Zeina Abdi, Vice Chairman of the Syrian Kurdish Journalists Network, agreed with Muneera Baloush in the opinion, emphasizing journalists’ need for practical and applied training that clarifies information landmarks and how to obtain them from “reliable sources that document and support the work they present in the required professional manner”.
