“Producing Investigative Podcasts” was implemented in partnership with GIJN and led by Scripps DC Executive Producer Podcasts Susan Reber, and moderated by GIJN Arabic Editor Majdoleen Hassan. During this session Susan Reber explained how to transform investigative reports into audio material, went into the fundamentals of making a successful audio program, the steps to follow in order to capture the attention of the audience, as well as discussing different interviewing techniques and how journalists should deal with people who had experienced trauma. Furthermore, the speaker highlighted the importance of using open questions to be able to attain as much information as possible.

"The ability of the journalist's voice to create scenes in investigative podcasts enhances the quality of work and its ability to attract listeners."

-Trainer Susanne Reber, Executive Producer of Podcasts at Scripps DC

“Creative Writing in Investigative Journalism” webinar was led by Al Arabi TV Journalist and Novelist Abdullah Maksour and moderated by ARIJ Coach Safaa Ramahi. The webinar discussed the concept of creative writing in journalism, the available tools that could be used, and shed light on the concept of “The Writing Map” to illustrate how a story is different from a scenario. The trainees learned how to transform a written text into a visual story, and explored the needed skills to write the story body, in addition to learning more about editing.

“Writing is the art of balancing feelings with objectivity, and it needs a plan to be implemented”.

- Abdullah Maksour - Al Arabi TV Journalist and Novelist

“Environmental Investigations - The Use of Satellite Data and Digital Tools” was implemented in partnership with Pulitzer and was led by Pulitzer Environmental Investigations Editor Gustavo Faleiros and Pulitzer Data Editor Kuang Keng Kuek Ser, and moderated by ARIJ Senior Data Editor and Coach Mohammed Komani. The attendees learned about remote sensing techniques, tools, and applications that can be used to show satellite images of a certain area, and show the changes over a period of time in a way that enhances their environmental story's presentation. Trainers gave examples of how journalists are using advancements in digital technology and satellite imagery for data/map-based investigations to report on deforestation and other illegal activities.

“To gather stories, go to the field and locate the areas where you want to tell your stories with satellite imagery, by focusing on the factor of time, geographic locations, measuring distance and identifying points of intersection”

- Gustavo Faleiros - Pulitzer Environmental Investigations Editor

“Photojournalism - an Investigative Tool for Storytelling” was implemented in partnership with EJN. The webinar was led by Photographer Mohamad Badarne and moderated by ARIJ DG Rawan Damen. The webinar covered the different aspects of producing journalistic reports and video projects on labour, the history and development of labour journalism, the technical, ethical, and challenges journalists encounter to produce stories on labour and labour issues as well as showing a number of TV investigations and explaining how they were developed from an idea to production. During the webinar Badarne presented a project on labour life in Palestine called “I Wish You a Safe Return” throughout which he demonstrated the importance of the technical aspect of photography with all its factors of lighting, colour and the ones that enriched the investigative content, where he tried to shed light on the reality of the exploitation of workers, and to induce those responsible to assist them in obtaining their rights. He also emphasised that journalists in action should have high moral standings at all times and that the photographed person should not be disrespected or humiliated in the course of filming. He also recalled that the equipment used, such as camera type and lens, should be suitable for the target. Moreover, Journalists were advised not to put themselves at risk in the course of their work, to protect and maintain the safety of the project participants, and not to reveal their identities.

"A photograph is a piece of investigative reporting. Cameras fast forward reality, and one photo is able to prove an event has happened, replacing hundreds of words."

-Mohamad Badrane, photographer and trainer in social photography and visual narration

“Pegasus and More: How to Detect Malicious Programs” was led by ARIJ’s Digital Manager Khalid Waleed, where he provided the trainees with tips and guidance aimed at raising their awareness on how to detect malicious programs on their devices and how to work safely digitally. The trainer stated that digital security tools alone do not achieve digital security; there must be a combination of different factors such as: digital awareness, a good understanding and mechanism of dealing with different security breaches. Moreover, he stressed that all devices can be hacked; as precautionary measures and to protect these devices, the trainer advised to use antiviruses such as: Firewall, Avira, Norton, 1.1.1.1 by Cloudflare and NetGuard among others as well as recommended the journalists to follow these steps to work safely: 1. Update and encrypt their devices on a daily basis 2. Avoid downloading many applications or sending SMS messages 3. Not to connect to public Internet networks 4. Make backups and keep them in a place other than Cloud 5. Use more than one mobile phone and more than one email; one for work and other for personal matters 5.

“Awareness is one of the most important factors that help maintain digital security."

-Trainer Khalid Waleed