The simulation aimed to evaluate the proficiency of students in applying the skills acquired through CNN Academy, including interview techniques, storytelling, ethics, and verification.
CNN held its second climate-focused reporting simulation as part of its academy training programme last week. A total of 110 aspiring journalists from 30 different nationalities participated in the simulation. This event, part of CNN Academy’s special initiative, aimed to empower and upskill the next generation of journalists.
In its second edition, the CNN Academy simulation focused on climate disaster reporting, testing and refining the skills of participants by replicating a scenario set in a fictional country. This realistic, week-long exercise unfolded in real-time, engaging trainees in a multi-faceted and dynamic news environment.
Becky Anderson, Anchor and Managing Editor, CNN Abu Dhabi, said: “At the end of what will be the hottest year ever recorded, and with COP28 taking place in Dubai, we wanted to focus this latest group of CNN academicians on what is, without doubt, the most important story of this generation. Reporting on the climate crisis is vitally important, but far from easy. We were able to immerse this group deep into all its complexity during this exercise. To see these young journalists, from all corners of the globe, working hard to tell this story with truth, accuracy, clarity and context has been truly inspiring.”
The simulation included 14 participants from the inaugural cohort of the new CNN Academy Global South Climate Storytelling programme, funded by The Rockefeller Foundation. Chosen specifically from regions most impacted by climate change, participants hailed from countries including Colombia, Indonesia, Kenya, and Vietnam. The programme aims to raise awareness and address the impact of climate change in vulnerable communities in the Global South. Participants joined counterparts from CNN Academy initiatives worldwide, representing 30 different nationalities, including 16 Emiratis.
Eileen O’Connor, Senior Vice President for Strategic Communications and Policy at The Rockefeller Foundation, added: “Empowering storytellers from the Global South with climate reporting skills is paramount because developing countries are already suffering from climate change, despite bearing minimal responsibility for it. It’s not just about sharing stories; it’s about giving voice to the most affected communities and amplifying urgent calls for climate action.”
The simulation, planned in collaboration with Prof. Rex Brynen of McGill University and Jim Wallman of Stone Paper Scissors, incorporated newsgathering in the field, a custom-built social media tool, mock press conferences, interviews, and the production of news packages. The participants utilised the extensive media technology facilities at the creative lab hosted at twofour54’s Yas Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi.
Reem Al Mansouri from CNN Academy Abu Dhabi commented on the simulation: “The experience was extraordinary and immersive because the simulation week not only pushed me beyond my usual circle but also led me to see the world through the eyes of a real journalist.”
In addition to the newsroom simulation, participants received masterclasses on the power of pictures and storytelling during times of conflict, workshops on data management and archiving, and insights into the complexity of gender reporting from CNN experts.
Phil Nelson, EVP of CNN International Commercial, stated: “CNN Academy builds on a long tradition established by our founder, Ted Turner, to train and nurture the next generation of journalists, developing skills, forging links and opening doors. The CNN Academy simulation expands on this by presenting the participants with challenges modern journalists encounter, in an environment where they are safe to fail, and encouraged to consider every element they might face working on a story. This exceptional training is unmatched in the industry.”
A visit to COP28 in Dubai allowed the academicians to explore pavilions and attend talks at the UN Climate Change Conference. To support local ecology and climate efforts, a tree was planted on behalf of each participant at the Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi, preserving the UAE’s mangrove habitats and raising awareness of their environmental importance.
