ABC International Development Foundations of Journalism: Empowering Media in the Indo-Pacific

Across the Indo-Pacific, media organisations expressed an urgent need to strengthen core (foundational) journalism skills among both new and seasoned reporters. Many lack formal training, particularly in smaller or post-pandemic newsrooms with limited resources and high turnover. Media organisations also expressed a need to counter mis/disinformation, refresh ethical standards, and create structured training options that were accessible, culturally-relevant, and flexible for working journalists. The challenge was to co-design a service that could be consistently delivered across diverse contexts, elevate reporting quality, and reduce pressure on senior staff who are usually responsible for onboarding and mentoring without formal support.

ABCID developed a structured, flexible program, co-designed with regional media. The Foundations of Journalism program features 29 self-paced online learning modules hosted on the ABCID’s purpose-built Media Education for Development and Information Access (MEDIA) platform, with online and offline access, and facilitated, locally-led sessions. ‘Training of Trainers’ workshops ensures local facilitators deliver contextualised learning using a comprehensive handbook. The five thematic modules progress through key journalism skills, allowing flexible delivery ranging from intensive to extended formats. Ongoing support, progress tracking, and modular delivery ensure quality and scalability across the region, while local ownership strengthens relevance and long-term sustainability.

FoJ participants report stronger editorial judgment, more inclusive awareness, and greater newsroom collaboration. Media organisations benefit from improved reporting quality, reduced onboarding pressure, and more resilient operations. Examples include helping retain existing staff by increasing their motivation, and, enabling new staff with no prior journalism training to be productive reporters quickly. By elevating journalism standards, FoJ contributes to public trust and democratic resilience. The model also promotes sustainability by embedding training capacity within local organisations. With cohorts completed in Fiji, Tonga, Palau, Kiribati, and rollouts commencing in PNG, Solomon Islands and Samoa, FoJ demonstrates regional demand, adaptability, and long-term value.

•Blended Learning Model: Combines self-paced online learning with locally facilitated in-person sessions, creating a flexible yet structured learning experience adaptable across diverse Indo-Pacific country contexts. •MEDIA Platform Accessibility: Designed for digital inclusion, enabling offline access via mobile app, ensuring participation in low-connectivity areas. •Structured Curriculum: An introduction and five thematic modules - Foundational Skills of Effective Reporting; The 3R’s of Inclusive Reporting: Reach, Reflect, Represent; News Gathering; News Reporting; Storytelling Across Platforms – in a logical progression. •Training of Trainers: Facilitators are experienced media leaders, qualified in training pedagogy and program delivery. A handbook and ongoing support ensure consistency. •Cultural Relevance, Local Ownership: In-language learning and facilitated discussions allow in-country trainers to address local realities, enhancing understanding, engagement and trust. •Scalable, Flexible Delivery: Partner organisations can run the program over days, weeks or months, tailoring it to workplace schedules without compromising outcomes. •Rigorous Development Process: Curriculum co-designed and reviewed by media professionals, including ABC editorial leaders, and piloted in Fiji, Palau and Tonga before wider rollout. •Incorporates Learning: Modules draw on ABC’s institutional strengths and lessons learned from internal staff training/guidance/policies. •Evidence of Impact: Testimonials and course evaluations demonstrate the program’s effect on confidence, quality, skills development and ethical standards.