THE Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), in partnership with BBC Media Action, has hosted a specialized training program for provincial stringers in preparation for the April National General Elections
The initiative aims to support provincial stringers and strengthen collaboration with local newsrooms to ensure that voices and perspectives from across the country are reflected in election coverage.
It focuses on equipping journalists based in rural and remote areas with essential reporting skills to effectively cover election developments in their respective provinces.
The training, which commenced on Thursday in Honiara, seeks to address the long-standing disparity in media coverage that often centers on the capital city, Honiara.
By engaging stringers from the provinces, MASI hopes to ensure more comprehensive and diverse reporting that amplifies the voices of rural communities.
During the sessions, participants took part in practical exercises such as conducting interviews and gathering news in the field.
They also received guidance on ethical reporting practices, fact-checking techniques, interview strategies, and digital storytelling tools from experienced BBC Media Action journalist, Dipak Bhattarai.
Stringers attending the program came from Temotu, Choiseul, Makira/Ulawa, and Savo/Russells provinces.
A stringer is a freelance journalist, reporter, or individual who contributes news stories, articles, or other content to a media organization on a regular or occasional basis.
