The fifth edition of the “NewsLab” training programme, organised under an agreement between Baku State University (BSU) and ARB 24 television channel, has successfully concluded. Of the nine students who took part in the programme, five have been offered jobs at the television channel.

Vugar Aliyev, Dean of BSU’s Faculty of Journalism and Chairman of the Press Council of Azerbaijan, noted that ARB 24 had become a genuine creative workshop for the faculty’s students, adding that the vast majority of the channel’s employees were graduates of BSU’s Faculty of Journalism.

“The ‘NewsLab’ training programme has provided a valuable platform for students to deepen their theoretical knowledge and develop their practical skills,” he said.

Radik Ismayilov, Director of ARB 24, highlighted the growing interest in the programme each year. He noted that over its five years of operation, the initiative had trained qualified journalists not only for ARB 24 but also for various other media organisations.

Aynur Nasirova, Head of BSU’s Department of International Journalism and Information Policy and Associate Professor, urged young journalists to remain vigilant in an era of widespread digitalisation and artificial intelligence in the media. She emphasised the importance of adhering to fundamental journalistic principles, particularly accuracy and objectivity, and congratulated the participants who had successfully completed the programme and secured employment.

The three-month programme included an interview stage, after which successful candidates proceeded to practical training.

Launched in 2022, the “NewsLab” joint initiative has so far helped 30 BSU graduates secure employment. The programme covers key areas of media practice, including news production, speech and communication skills, and image and video editing.