Training the Next Generation of Malian Media Professionals

In partnership with the U.S. State Department, the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) brought four Malian journalists to the United States for a professional internship program. The visiting journalists had the opportunity to observe U.S. newsrooms operations as well as learn new skills to enhance their journalism careers. The program sought to accomplish the following: to demonstrate U.S. and international journalistic practices and ethics through practical, hands-on experience.

The selected journalists began the program with a visit to Washington, D.C., for an intensive three-day training from January 18 - 20, 2017. The training topics included an overview of the U.S. media system and the characteristics that make it unique; journalism ethics; how journalists use digital tools; and investigative reporting.

The journalists then traveled to selected news organizations across the United States for their professional internships. The internships ran for 13 days, from January 23, 2017 - February 4, 2017. Before returning to Mali, the journalists spent two days in Washington, D.C. for their debrief. They met with journalism experts as well as shared their experiences and lessons learned.

The program, as part of ICFJ’s effort to train the next generation of Malian media professionals, was made possible thanks to the support of the U.S. Embassy in Bamako.

Program Schedule

Tuesday, January 17: Participants arrive in Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, January 18 – Thursday, January 19: Orientation in Washington, D.C.
Friday, January 20: Inauguration
Friday, January 20 (evening): Participants depart for host city
Saturday, January 21 – 22: Free weekend in attachment city to settle in
Monday, January 23 – Saturday, Feb. 4: newsroom attachment phase
Sunday, Feb. 5: Depart host city for Washington, D.C.
Monday, February 6 - Tuesday, February 7: Debrief in Washington, D.C. and departure for Mali