Academic year 2016-2017 at the School of Advanced Journalism has begun with initiation of new students into the secrets of the job of press reviewer. For three days, they were learning what journalism is, how a media outlet works, how information is gathered, and what functions the media has in a democratic society.

Introduction to journalism is a mostly theoretical course. SAJ trainer and director Sorina Stefarta spoke to students about the key notions and principles of journalism, criteria used to choose topics, the role of one’s own observation, research, and information gathering techniques. The topic that aroused curiosity and lively discussion was related to sources. Students found out that there are several types of sources and special techniques to work with them; that a source must not become too close to the journalist; and that, if necessary, their identity must be protected.

The course also involved discussions about objectiveness, impartiality and credibility, and a special accent was placed on the problem of plagiarism in journalism, which is a very serious violation of ethics and deontology. Next, students learned what a news story is, discussed how certain topics can become material for the press, and produced by themselves a press review – the first practical exercise of this semester. SAJ students will learn more information about the structure of a news story and the rules for its writing at their next course – The News.