CNN Academy and Erbil Media City are partnering to bring 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.
The CNN Academy Erbil course is aimed at individuals at the beginning of their journey in professional journalism.
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.
Participating in CNN Academy’s newsroom simulation in Abu Dhabi was an incredible experience. Working with over 100 talented students from around the world, I explored AI’s role in storytelling, misinformation, and political analysis. Collaborating with my team—Alex Land, Khaled Al Khawaldeh, and Emma Zeng—we created a compelling video project that earned us a Special Recognition award as runners-up. Seeing our video showcased during the closing ceremony was a proud moment.
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
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. I found it to be a very practical, enjoyable, and, sometimes, very tough experience. It is my pleasure to personally thank all my friends and highly respected mentors at CNN Academy for giving me this wonderful chance.
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, both during the CNN Academy’s 3-month Journalism Course in Erbil and during the highly immersive CNN Academy Simulation in Abu Dhabi, has peaked my interest in the field of journalism and its transformation in today’s technology and AI driven world. Most importantly, and thanks to the valuable courses I received in mobile journalism (MOJO), I realize now more than ever just how powerful that device in my pocket is.
