Do you want to create attention-grabbing web content, master visualization and fact-checking techniques with artificial intelligence, or learn to tell stories through video? Sign up for the Master Classes in Media and Journalism and upgrade your skills through three practical modules: (1) Creating web content optimized for search engines (Search Engine Optimization), (2) Visualization and verification of information using generative AI tools, and (3) Producing social media videos using a mobile phone.
The Master Classes in Media and Journalism are organized by the Institute of Communication Studies (ICS) and IREX as part of USAID’s Media Literacy Project “YouThink”.
What exactly are the Master Classes?
The Master Classes are a combination of lectures, discussions, exercises and practical work. They will take place during February and March, lasting for three days, through presentations and discussions with experienced journalist-trainers, after which the participants, working in teams, will create media products, with mentorship support.
The master classes are intended for young people aged 19 to 34, including students, young journalists and those who want to upgrade their digital media skills.
The program is free of charge, and for participants outside of Skopje, the organizer will cover the costs of accommodation and transportation. After completing the master classes, participants receive a certificate. For the participants who show particular interest and proactivity during the training, a paid one-month internship in a media outlet will be provided.
You will learn:
- To grab the audience’s attention;
- To write texts following SEO (Search Engine Optimization) techniques;
- To promote web content on social media;
- To visualize data with free tools;
- To verify the authenticity of visual information and recognize manipulations created with generative artificial intelligence;
- To apply the basic techniques of video recording and photography;
- To narrate through video and prepare video content for social media;
- To use free apps for editing via mobile phone.
Program
Module 1
Creating web content
- Why and how do we consume online content?
- Basic principles of writing for the web.
- Rules and tips for structuring an online story.
- Writing according to SEO (Search Engine Optimization) techniques.
- Promotion of web content on social media.
Module 2
Visualization of Information and Verification of Content Created with Generative Artificial Intelligence
- Visualization of information using generative artificial intelligence tools.
- Verification of manipulations in visual and other content published on the web and social media created with generative artificial intelligence.
Module 3
Creating video content for social media with a mobile phone
- Basic mobile phone video recording techniques
- Free mobile video editing apps
- Storytelling through video
- Storytelling through people and interview (podcast)
Final project
Production of a final media product
Trainers

Ana Zafirova
Journalist

Goran Mihajlovski
Editor in SDK.mk

Katerina Topalova
Journalist in MTV

Mladen Chadikovski
Editor in TV24

Aleksandar Dimitrievski
Editor and Journalist in the TV project ``360 degrees``

Sonja Petrushevska
Editor in AlsatM TV
