News Corp Australia’s chief executive, Robert Thomson, said: “We are delighted to partner with Google and Melbourne Business School in providing meaningful opportunities for young Australians in journalism through the Digital News Academy. It is crucial that young journalists fully comprehend the potential of digital reporting and delivery, but that they also be well-versed in the traditional journalistic imperative of fact-based reporting.”
News Corp Australia’s executive chairman Michael Miller emphasised the role the new academy will play by ensuring a robust and fearless media presence in Australia’s future.
“The Academy will play a role in equipping news media organisations and news professionals - from on the ground reporters to editors and publishers - with the toolkit, skillset and mindset to meet the opportunities that digital media provides,” Miller said.
“Journalism’s importance to the health and wellbeing of our communities cannot be overstated and the Academy will help it remain a vibrant and critical part of how society functions.
“Other media companies such as Australian Community Media and, over time, a host of small and regional news companies are important partners in the Academy in ensuring that news media remains strong public advocates.
“I’d like to thank Google, Melbourne Business School and all of our media partners for working with us on this important initiative and for Google’s acknowledgement of journalism’s critical importance and its value to society.”
Google’s director, news partnerships APAC, Kate Beddoe, said the firm was delighted to support the launch of the Digital News Academy.
“The Academy will provide training on everything from data journalism, to audience measurement, right through to highly-specialised topics like podcasting,” Beddoe said.
“The traineeships will also provide a vital boost to regional journalism, with 60 students from regional newsrooms to benefit over the next three years.
“The Digital News Academy builds on the significant support Google has provided to the Australian news industry and we look forward to seeing the results.”
Ian Harper AO, dean of Melbourne Business School, lauded the initiative’s educational role.
“We believe the Digital News Academy has the potential to transform the future of organisational learning, as well as journalism,” Harper said.
“Melbourne Business School has been at the forefront of leadership and capability development for many years. Now we’re breaking new ground with the DNA, by partnering with two global industry leaders to deliver a world-class academy that will give participants an immersive online experience linked directly to organisational strategy.”
Australian Community Media managing director Tony Kendall said: “The Digital News Academy is an exciting prospect for Australian journalism. It can provide a world-class learning environment for reporters and editors to develop the digital skills for the news of the future, which is especially crucial for our regional audiences.”
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