Getting the scoop on journalism

Of the thirty written examinations received in the 2005-2006 competition, two students from Thammasart University were qualified for the UBC True-BBC World Future Journalist Award. The award prepares graduates of journalism and mass communications to become professional journalists.

Twenty-two-year-old Jananya Huamuangkaew was in her senior year in journalism and mass communications when she competed. Though radio and TV broadcasting was her major, Jananya found broadcasting is not easy in real life when she joined the three-week training course with the BBC. During the first two weeks, Jananya spent hours learning how to write and edit hard-hitting news, and prepared a one-minute script for radio broadcasting.

``At first, I was worried about my English accent. I wasn't certain if the audience would understand what I was saying,'' says Jananya.

Radio broadcasting is not all about one's ability to speak English well, but also about getting the story right, setting the right tone to match the story and effectively communicating with the audience.

``Producing a script for radio is challenging. I've learned various story-telling techniques from staff journalists to cover a variety of subjects within a limited time frame. So there's a substantial difference when news is written for print or broadcast,'' Jananya explains.

``From my experience,'' Jananya continues, ``writing a script for radio needs to focus on the words. I have to use more catchy words. For example, if I have two minutes to report news, within the given time I must relay the story in such a way to hold the audience's attention.''

To get the audience's attention, the musical introduction and the background music is important, Jananya says. And each culture is different. Understanding culture helps in choosing the right tune.

To Jananya, two weeks at the radio broadcast facility and one week in the newsroom are memorable. The course helps build confidence in handling news stories and to sharpen journalistic skills.

Jananya and another finalist, Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul produced a television project on their internship experience. Their work reflects their experiences in news editing, reporting and camera work.

Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul, 22, was a senior in print journalism when she took the written examination. Chalida didn't make a perfect score on the English grammar and listening test, but her interest in current affairs helped her to score high on developing her storylines in the news writing part.

``I have enrolled in Thai speaking schools all my life. My English skills are far from perfect. But I managed to communicate with the on-site news staffs of BBC World,'' Chalida says.

To Chalida, interview techniques are important besides finding an angle to write news stories.

``From this internship experience, I've learned that in real life I must defend myself as well. I can't just scribble down notes at an interview when the other side accuses me of doing or saying something,'' says Chalida, ``It's dangerous. I can get a law suit.''

To Chalida, the experience is worthwhile. The internship helps to broaden her worldview and to learn the differences, Chalida says. It is like a daily journalism practice while gaining valuable career-building experience.

BBC World, a leader in international news, was started in 1922 as a radio news service. Today BBC World broadcasts news and information around the clock and around the globe. It also offers journalism training courses to professionals.

To apply, students must be Thai nationals in their junior or senior year pursuing a bachelor's degree in mass communications or related a related field. Applicants must take a written English examination and write a news story.

The written examination, which will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2007, does not focus solely on English skills; rather it tries to determine whether the applicant has a passion for journalism.

The written examination also focuses on: listening skills, knowledge of current affairs, some grammar and an applicant's ability to produce original and creative writing. It is designed to assess the basic and necessary skills to become a good journalist. The examination is developed jointly by UBC, BBC World and CMCT.

The multiple-choice questions must be answered within three hours. Twenty applicants will be selected to participate in a workshop arranged by UBC news channels. The workshop aims to teach young journalists the news production techniques they will need in order to be successful in the competitive world of journalism.

All twenty applicants will be interviewed in English on Wednesday, February 14, 2007, by staff from UBC True, BBC World and CMCT.

The two finalists will be awarded a trip to BBC World in London, a workshop with UBC channels, and an English course with the British Council. The workshop focuses on familiarising students with the way news is covered and delivered at the station. The finalists will gain hands-on experience while working with professional journalists for three weeks with BBC World during April and May 2007. All accommodations and stipends are provided.

There will be two prizes for runner-ups. UBC True offers a one-month in-house training course with UBC News and UBC Inside. Runner-ups earn salaries during the internship and a seat in an English course with the British Council.

Applications must be sent before January 10, 2007. The time and place for the written examination will be announced. And the finalists will be decided a week after the interview session.

Interested students can download online application forms at www.ubctv.com or get the forms from their universities. Applications must be sent to the Corporate Affairs Department, UBC Broadcasting Corp, 118/1, 15th floor, Tipco Tower, Samsen Nai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400. For more information, please call 02-615-9751.