azerbaijan
Now in its second year, The Foundation's Azeri Business reporting project has built a long term relationship with the leading media in the country by working through key economic development issues and making them interesting for the public.
Fuelled by years of sky high oil prices the Azeri economy is booming. But with a widening wealth gap and high levels of corruption there has never been a more important time for local media to cover business for the widest audience. The Foundation has taken up the challenge in partnership with the British Council and BP Azerbaijan.
Now in its second year, the Foundation’s Azeri Business reporting project has built a long term relationship with the leading media in the country by working through key economic development issues and making them interesting for the public.
Phase one used an in-depth capacity building programme with Foundation workshops held in Baku over two weeks every month from 2007 – 2008. Twelve dedicated reporters attended specially designed sessions covering everything from basic reporting skills through to understanding trends in critical developing sectors in the Azeri economy.
This approach helped reporters apply skills learned during the sessions in their news rooms straight away and let the tutors monitor progress.
Phase two builds on the relationships we’ve established. Half of our trainees will be selected to become trainers themselves, eventually running their own programme in business reporting. This will create a team who can pass on sustainable skills to deal with the rapidly changing Azeri economy.