Chisinau School of Advanced Journalism will encourage the evolution of Moldovan press and journalism. IPN interview with Corina Cepoi, IJC director

The Chisinau Independent Journalism Center has recently announced the opening of the Chisinau School of Advanced Journalism, in co-operation with a specialized institution from USA. [- What is your opinion about the journalism and journalists from the Republic of Moldova and why did you decide to organize such an institution?] I think that the journalists from Moldova work under very complicated conditions. Their work is insufficiently paid, their access to information is frequently refused, and the mass media legislation creates obstacles in their activity. The pressures of the government, the economical conditions of the periodicals, TV and radio stations, as well impedes the development of the journalism in the Republic of Moldova. It preserves some features of the period we have already overcome from the social-political point of view. We have decided to organize a school of journalism to encourage the evolution of Moldovan press and journalism toward modernization, approaching to Europe, conceptually, methodologically and “technologically”. We would like to offer the journalists those “instruments” that would help them work more efficiently in these complex conditions. [- What new will the School of Advanced Journalism propose comparing to the knowledge and skills the journalist from Moldova already have?] Starting with advanced theories, the School will put stress on practical advanced exercises in news reporting, broadcast reporting, media law and ethics and shorter courses in online reporting, computer assisted reporting, business and economic reporting, photojournalism, media management, visual journalism and others. An important advantage is that the teaching staff of the School will comprise leading Moldovan journalists and trainers and foreign experts. Another advantage is the possibility of internship at the most prestigious mass-media organizations from the Republic of Moldova and abroad. In this way, the students of the school will be exposed to the most advanced practices from Moldova and abroad. [- Who will be able to study at the School of Advanced Journalism and what conditions the solicitants will have to match?] Anyone that has a university degree can submit an application at the Chisinau School of Advanced Journalism. It is not compulsory to be a graduate of journalism faculties. We want our students to prove that journalism is their vocation. This is the most important condition. [- Will the graduates of this school have advantages – internationally recognized certificates, work possibilities abroad etc.?] We hope that the journalists prepared by us will stay in Moldova. The graduation certificates will be signed by our partners from USA (Missouri School of Journalism), and Europe (the Paris-based CFPJ-International journalists’ training center), worldwide known for the quality of their teaching in this field. [- Thank you]