UNESCO, EU media training yields radio talents at Al al Bayt University

AMMAN — Twenty-two year old Mohammad Zayoud long wanted to study journalism but his grades were never good enough to enrol in the journalism course so he decided to enter the physical education course at Al al Bayt University in Mafraq.

However, his dreams recently came true as he took part in the second round of media training in the Mafraq University, as part of the “Support to Media in Jordan” project implemented by UNESCO under a fund by the European Union (EU). 

“I always wanted to work in media; I had taken a few journalism courses and was writing short articles that were published on the university website. But, when I learned about the UNESCO-led training, I saw my chance and I was very excited to join,” Zayoud recounted.  

The media trainings were part of a larger capacity development support programme provided to several universities across the Kingdom over the last two years, a UNESCO official told The Jordan Times.

“The project included training sessions on radio news and programme production at Al al Bayt University, with several radio experts and consultants who came to work with the university’s faculty, staff and students,” the official said, noting that the sessions focused on the basics of setting up a radio station, institutional issues such as how to form an advisory board, ensure editorial independence and manage the station, as well as technical skills such as radio production and editing.

Zayoud’s training was conducted by radio journalist Samia Kurdieh, who delivered presentations on news and radio production concepts, voice coaching and presenting radio talk shows, among others, giving student the opportunity to put their technical skills to the test of the microphone.

“Samia was a sophisticated trainer who was able to convey the lessons to us using her practical expertise in the field. We learned so many new skills,” Zayoud told The Jordan Times, remembering “one of the most important things I learned was how to use different styles when presenting news or another programme, such as a talk show.”

The high-tech equipment required to set up the initial radio station was delivered in February by the EU, as part of a larger 1.5 million euro donation  aimed at “improving the beneficiaries’ ability to provide high quality media content” and “training the next generation of media leaders in the Kingdom”, the UNESCO official noted.

At Al al Bayt, it included mixers, microphones, computers, specialised desks, receivers and a transmitter.

“As a radio presenter, the new headsets and mics have really made my work easier and we are thrilled with all the equipment. The donation is good for students and the university as a whole,” Zayoud said, adding that the training helped him come up with new ideas for radio programmes. 

“I am thinking of developing a show dedicated to tackling local issues by asking critical questions about listeners’ behaviour on topics like increasing violence among students,” he explained. 

Zayoud and the other trainees expressed their appreciation for the training and the opportunities it gave them to sharpen their skills, thanking the EU and UNESCO for supporting the development of their radio station, (103.5 FM in Mafraq).

The university station recently started broadcasting programmes and segments produced by both students and faculty members, offering a new media outlet to the students and the local community.

EU ambassador to Jordan Andrea Matteo Fontana in previous remarks stressed the EU’s keenness to support the media sector “as a key development and advocacy actor”, noting “we support media in Jordan in different spheres as we recognise the role media plays in promoting democratic debate, strengthening inclusive development and diversity and enhancing community engagement.”

For her part, UNESCO Representative to Jordan Costanza Farina stressed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting national institutions in achieving full freedom of press and free flow of information.

Launched in 2014, the Support to Media in Jordan project seeks to help Jordan’s efforts in advancing the media sector to further increase its freedom, independence and professionalism, according to a UNESCO statement.