Successful JAWS Seminar on Environment

The Samoan media turned up in full force to the first JAWS Seminar this year held at the Treasure Garden Conference Room.
Journalists, Editors and various newsworkers participated in the 1 hour Seminar on Environmental Reporting by Dr. Jaap Jaspers, current Editor and Publications officer for SPREP. He spoke on the need for better coverage of Environment issues in the region. Dr. Jasperse whose experience in the field of Environment reporting includes an Editor position in the Science Journal expressed the need for accuracy in Environmental Reporting. Dr. Jasperse suggested that "cross cutting" issues was not the best way to report on Environment Issues. "Think of a mat, the weaving and use that in reporting these issues." According to him seeing the bigger picture in one Environment Issue will create a better and more holistic understanding of the Environment. "Your audience needs to see where this issue stands in the whole scale of things."
Dr. Jasperse concluded his presentation with a brief look at some of the issues facing Samoa, including Climate Change. This prompted some interesting questions and remarks from the Journalists who requested more information on the issue.
The Seminar proved very successful in the end as an interest was stirred in the participants who had not considered the Environment as worthwhile news.
Dr. Jasperse was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and a tanoa from JAWS for his contribution to the training of Journalists in Samoa. The seminar concluded with a lunch provided by JAWS for the participants and short networking session amongst members.

Acknowledgement: JAWS would like to thank all members and non-members for participating in the Seminar, and encourage all Media workers to participate in future Seminars and Trainings.

Findings of JAWS Seminar Questionaire

On the question of the importance of Environment Reporting, participants answered.
Not important 0
Only when there is no other news 0
Important 44%
Extremely Important 56%

Would they report more on Environment after the right training.
Yes 99%
No 0
Maybe 1%

Please check back for more information on this questionairre.

First JAWS Seminar

JAWS will hold it's first Seminar on Wednesday this week at the Treasure Garden Conference Room. Below is the inviation to Journalists, Editors and News Workers to participate in this Seminar.

Seminar Details
Venue: Treasure Garden Conference Room
Time: 11:30am
Duration: 1 hour

Welcome
Prayer
Seminar Presentation: “What is Environmental Reporting?”
Refreshments
Faafetai

Invitation to Seminar

You are invited by the
Journalists Association of [Western] Samoa
to participate in the
Seminar: “What is Environmental Reporting?”

The Seminar will feature our Guest Speaker is Mr Jaap Jasperse, Editor and Publications Officer for SPREP.
Mr Jasperse has a Doctorate in Biology and a PhD in Communications Studies.
He was a Journalist for Farmer Magazine in New Zealand, then Editor of the Science Journal and his last post was as Science Publisher for the Department of Conservation.
Mr Jaap, better known as Iapi brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of Environment Reporting.
His presentation will attempt to answer the question: “What is Environment Reporting?” He will also speak on particular Environment Issues relating to Samoa and the Media.
All Journalists, Editors and News Workers are welcome to attend this Seminar.

Peter Lomas ends contract

Training and Development Officer for Samoa Observer recently ended his contract with the local news outlet. Peter Lomas has had a long and fruitful career in the media industry in the region. Peter has also been a supportive member of JAWS and has assisted in many areas including World Press Freedom Day. We wish to thank Peter Lomas for his contribution to the Samoan media and wish him luck on his future journeys.

Faafetai

Cherelle S Jackson
Secretary
JAWS