RSF and NCTJ launch free online course for exiled journalists resettling in the UK

Credit: Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the NCTJ have created a free online training course for exiled journalists looking to continue their careers in the UK.

It was developed as part of a project to help journalists who fled Hong Kong because of the crackdown on independent media there, many of whom have resettled in the UK.

Journalists flee their countries for various reasons, such as fear for their safety. Once abroad, many look to find a new job and set up diaspora media publications. 

It is hard to estimate the current level of demand, says UK bureau director Fiona O'Brien in an email to Journalism.co.uk.

"Numbers are [probably] quite low as the UK government does not offer visas to journalists in danger, even though doing so would have a real impact on protecting media freedom. I would therefore expect numbers of journalists using the course to be a slow burn, rather than a big immediate demand."

The NCTJ, a UK charity and the leading training body for journalists has helped design a course for anyone unfamiliar with the British journalism industry to secure work.

"Most journalists who are forced into exile have considerable experience, but arriving here throws up various challenges," says O'Brien.

"For example, they may not be familiar with the way parliament, government and local government work, how UK media law operates, how they can file an FOI, or what UK newsroom jargon means - the sorts of things that are particular to the UK. We hope the course will give journalists forced to relocate the orientation they need to make adjusting a little bit easier."

There are also potential language barriers and different legal, ethical and working practices when exiled journalists settle in the UK.

She also urged UK newsrooms to encourage any exiled journalists working for them to engage with the course, and provide extra support as they adapt to a new professional working environment.

This free resource is aimed at international journalists with five years or more experience and is hosted on the Journalism Skills Academy’s e-learning platform. There are no other requirements or max capacity on the training scheme. It is available in English only.

If you are an international journalist who would benefit from this course, contact Fiona O'Brien to get started.

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