CFI regularly takes part in the ABU’s regional seminars, however a hands-on regional workshop of this scope is a first both for the ABU and for CFI in this part of the world.

Organised in Bangkok, in the wake of a week of violent demonstrations, with participants from several countries (Bhutan, Brunei, China, India, Iran, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, East Timor and Vietnam) vastly different in terms of language, religion and working conditions, setting up this training course was a huge challenge.

For five days, in the state-of-the-art premises of the MCOT (Mass Communications Organization of Thailand), the star reporter Grégoire Deniau (winner of the 2005 Albert Londres award) delivered a comprehensive, interactivity-oriented training course on the workings of an editorial office à la française.

In the course of the two days earmarked for theory, the correspondent for France 24 in Asia, Cyril Payen, came, at the expert’s request, to demonstrate BGAN (Broadband Global Access Network). Using this transportable satellite station, journalists can send their subjects via a secure satellite link. On this occasion, participants found out how modern journalists can and must do everything (directing, editing and sending the subject to the channel).

Then, creating an interactive editorial team, they put together an 11-minute newscast. Drawing on their motivation and determination, the participants put in some top-quality work since two of the three subjects shot were then broadcast on Asiavision.

The success of this workshop paves the way to future regional or bilateral cooperation projects. Training courses to improve reporting quality are currently being examined.