Applications are open for CNN Academy Abu Dhabi, the international news network’s pioneering initiative to empower and upskill emerging talent in the region with multiplatform storytelling, supported by Creative Media Authority (CMA).

 

Artificial Intelligence will be the key theme for this year’s course, which will be explored in a weekly masterclass series. Hosted by CNN experts, industry leaders and academics, the masterclasses will examine the challenges and practicalities of AI, across areas including electronic ethics and cybersecurity, as well as teach participants how to build and test their own models.  

 

AI will also form the backbone of CNN Academy’s groundbreaking newsroom simulation, set to take place in Abu Dhabi in December. Participants from CNN Academy around the world will gather for an intensive week of training in the fundamentals of investigative reporting, learning from some of CNN’s highest profile journalists and other leading experts in Abu Dhabi.

 

Core modules

Podcasting, social storytelling and mobile journalism are among the core modules across the 12-week course in Abu Dhabi, led by CNN’s global anchors, correspondents and technical specialists. Participants with leave equipped with crucial skills needed to work in a newsroom, including verification techniques such as geolocation and reverse image searching, storyboarding and scriptwriting, and a deep understanding of journalistic ethics, all delivered via interactive workshops, masterclasses and digital on-demand tutorials. 

 

Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the Creative Media Authority, commented: “One of our lead focuses, in the development of the world-class creative ecosystem, is the nurturing of young local individuals and provision of leading educational experiences which develop skillsets for the nation’s future creative leaders. Under the Creative Media Authority, the creative lab leads on the various initiatives and programmes including CNN Academy Abu Dhabi which delivers an annually themed bespoke training programme for those pursuing a career in journalism. The focus on Artificial Intelligence this year highlights our collective dedication to advancing journalism within the region.”

 

Marking the fourth year of CNN Academy Abu Dhabi, the programme is supported by the Creative Lab - which is affiliated to CMA - in two key aspects; identifying potential students from our outreach program who would benefit from the experience, and providing valuable resources and facilities, which includes the host venue, in Abu Dhabi. 

 

Home of CNN

Abu Dhabi emirate is home of CNN and more than 780 media and entertainment companies and offers a thriving creative industry to apply freshly garnered skills located in Yas Creative Hub.

 

CNN Academy Abu Dhabi is open to UAE nationals and residents over the age of 21 who have a background and/or interest in media and multiplatform storytelling. 

 

CNN Academy’s outreach efforts continue with visits and virtual sessions with prominent universities to engage potential applicants. These include: Zayed University, Abu Dhabi University, New York University Abu Dhabi, American University of Sharjah, University of Khorfakkan, United Arab Emirates University.--TradeArabia News Service