Idlib | Steps Syria for Community Development Foundation
Idlib, May 31 – June 3, 2025 – In a move to enhance the capabilities of media professionals in northwest Syria after its liberation, the Steps Syria for Community Development Foundation, in cooperation with the Al Jazeera Media Institute and Syria Plus (Syria 24), organized two specialized workshops titled “Advanced Journalism: From Professional Planning to Digital Verification” at City Rose Hall in Idlib. The workshops targeted two groups of correspondents and editors from Syria Plus, independent media professionals, and staff from the Idlib Media Directorate, totaling 40 male and female participants.
Building Free and Reliable Media for the Post-Liberation Phase
The workshops aimed to empower media professionals to confront informational challenges during the reconstruction phase by enhancing their skills in news monitoring and verification using modern tools and techniques, including artificial intelligence. The training was delivered by the renowned media professional and Al Jazeera Institute trainer, Ma’an Al-Khader, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of free and reliable media in countering the torrent of misinformation and rumors that could affect general stability in Syria.
The comprehensive agenda included key themes on:
- News monitoring tools and platforms: such as Google Alerts and TweetDeck.
- Information search techniques: via advanced search engines.
- Using artificial intelligence: in analyzing textual and visual content (ChatGPT, Bard, Google Lens).
- Digital verification techniques: including reverse search and geolocation.
- Digital tracking tools: for aircraft and ships (Flightradar, MarineTraffic).
The workshops were characterized by an enthusiastic and interactive atmosphere, as participants practically applied the acquired tools in scenarios simulating newsrooms, which enhanced their ability to work collaboratively and produce documented content quickly and accurately.
Tangible Outcomes and Inspiring Challenges
All participants were able to develop their skills in news monitoring and verification, and gained advanced knowledge in AI techniques, reverse search, and geolocation. Official participants also received certificates issued by the Al Jazeera Media Institute, lending a professional character to the training.
Despite challenges such as the novelty of the training material for some media professionals, time constraints, and a sudden increase in the number of participants, the workshops demonstrated high flexibility in organization and effectiveness in knowledge transfer.
Participants expressed their happiness and gratitude for this valuable opportunity:
“Today, we are in dire need of such specialized workshops… This training provided us with a clear methodology and effective verification tools,” said journalist Salwa Abdul Rahman.
Another participant added, “We needed this training… It was a workshop rich in content and practical applications that we truly need in the media field.”
Media professionals from the Idlib Media Directorate also highlighted the importance of generalizing the experience and organizing similar training for their staff to enhance their efficiency in detecting misinformation.
Lessons Learned and Future Prospects
The workshops emphasized the importance of preparing training materials that consider the differing levels of participants, flexible agenda planning, and continuous technical support. The value of teamwork and simulation in enhancing practical skills also emerged.
The Steps Syria for Community Development Foundation reaffirms its commitment to continuing to support and develop independent Syrian media, believing in its pivotal role in building a society based on truth and transparency in the future Syria.
Joint Training Between Al Jazeera and Syria Plus in Idlib to Develop Journalists’ Skills in Monitoring and Digital Verification
To watch the training: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19PL8ugaVV
