FOLLOWING an intense week of learning and hands-on exercises, participants of the “Islands Storyteller: A Refresher on Modern News Reporting” workshop say they are now more confident and better equipped to strengthen their storytelling using newly sharpened skills.
The workshop, held from Monday 27th to Friday 31st October 2025, was delivered by BBC Media Action in partnership with the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI).
It forms part of BBC Media Action’s ongoing effort to build the professional capacity of local journalists, particularly those reporting from remote communities.
Aimed especially at provincial stringers, the training brought participants from Temotu, Central Province, and Malaita Province into Honiara.
Journalism students from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), along with new reporters from ZFM and Isles Media, also took part.
The sessions were facilitated by senior journalists Robert Iroga, Press Secretary Georgina Kekea, and multimedia specialist Karl Vaekesa, each bringing their expertise and wealth of experince.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in practical sessions covering mobile journalism, interviewing techniques, video editing, ethical reporting, and multimedia storytelling.
Many said the hands-on approach helped bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world reporting.
ZFM reporter Ian Oso said his biggest takeaways were three simple rules:
“To always listen, prepare, and follow instructions.”
Rural Malaita stringer Lesley Foinagwa admitted he initially struggled with the visual editing tools but said the challenge has motivated him to improve.
Newcomer, Alice Thegnamana of Isles Media described the workshop as a steppingstone into building a career in journalism:
“It is very useful because the information I have taken, including the tips and basics, will be used in the field. I am glad to be here.”
For Russell Islands stringer Richard Karima, the training introduced a completely new way of working.
He said the multimedia approach taught during the sessions was a significant shift from his usual text-only reporting.
SINU journalism student Shoreyann Ragoso said the workshop helped strengthen what she had learned in class.
“In school it is a recap, but I did not go through the practical side, so when I came to the workshop, it helped me a lot.”
Participants also expressed their appreciation to the BBC Media Actions and MASI for delivering another successful workshop
