CNN Academy Erbil

Erbil, Iraq

CNN Academy has developed a journalism course aimed at inspiring the next generation of journalists in Iraq. Through online and in-person workshops with senior CNN journalists, participants learn how CNN gathers information, verifies sources and produces content for its multiple platforms.

Participants will complete core courses on topics such as Ethics in Journalism, the Art of Storytelling and When News Breaks. These courses will combine coursework on the CNN Academy Hub and live workshops with CNN Academy trainers and journalists.

Who can apply

The CNN Academy Erbil course is aimed at individuals at the beginning of their journey in professional journalism.

Participants can be in their last year of university or in their first years of employment at a media organization.
Participants must be 18 or older
Participants must speak Arabic, Kurdish or English. Most lectures will be delivered in English (with translations available) so a good proficiency is preferred
Participants must make themselves available for occasional in-person sessions to be held in Erbil. They should also have access to an internet connection that will allow them to access the digital resources

What you'll learn

Understand newsroom workflows during breaking news coverage
Experience the diverse roles of a news coverage team (producer, reporter, photojournalist, editor, editorial director)
Apply fact-checking tools and social verification methods
Enhance interviewing, investigative reporting and decision-making skills
Improve technical skills for multiplatform content production
Learn how to work under time constraints and with limited resources
Receive a course completion certificate

2024 Abu Dhabi Simulation

Five participants from CNN Academy Erbil attended the Storytelling in the Age of AI Simulation in Abu Dhabi in December 2024.

Across seven days participants, they attended talks and workshops and crucially learned from top CNN journalists about what it takes to effectively engage audiences.

The participants were given the chance to put theory into practice, taking part in an intensive, competitive challenge. Working in groups with participants from around the world, they were set the challenge of investigating and reporting on a breaking news story in a fictional country; attending mock news conferences and interviews with role players.

Student Testimonials

Participating in CNN Academy’s newsroom simulation in Abu Dhabi was an incredible experience. The masterclasses and networking opportunities offered by CNN Academy greatly enhanced my understanding of journalism and its future. I am grateful for this enriching experience and the skills I’ve gained

Nza Najat

CNN Academy Erbil participant

CNN Academy, including its newsroom simulation, was by far one of the best and the most valuable experience in my career. I spent an entire week immersing myself completely in the journalism world away from my daily life. I learned from journalists, felt their challenges, and participated in the quest for the truth which all appeared in society.

Donya Seif

CNN Academy Erbil participant

I am very grateful for the learning opportunities afforded to me by the CNN Academy. Working with some of the world’s most experienced instructors and journalists has peaked my interest in the field of journalism. Most importantly, I realize now more than ever just how powerful that device in my pocket is.