Journalists Teach Biotech Experts the Art of Being Interviewed

Key biotech experts from different research institutions in the Philippines attended the two-day workshop on Facing the Media: The Art of Being Interviewed on June 18-19, 2014 at Richmonde Hotel in Manila. The workshop was conducted by journalists and communication experts of Probe Media Foundation, Inc. with an objective of training biotech scientists and academics to confidently deliver messages to media in an effective manner.

Miriam Grace Go, News Editor of the social news network Rappler, enlightened the participants about the Philippine media culture. She differentiated the objectives and intended audiences of traditional media (radio, TV, and print) and new media (online and social) to help the participants understand how to face different types of media practitioners. Communication expert and Probe Vice President Victoria Ortega equipped the participants with tools on how to deliver a powerful story which balances the fact-based message, human interest, and real life experiences. The lecture was followed by a messaging workshop.

The highlight of the workshop was the simulated media encounters wherein each participant had the opportunity to be interviewed by journalists Booma Cruz, Regina Rosero, and Aries Rufo who played the various types of media practitioners. The participants were given different scenarios and biotech issues to discuss with the journalist in different interview situations (face-to-face, telephone, press conference, etc.). After the simulated interviews, the journalists and the other participants evaluated the sessions.

The event was organized and funded by ISAAA, SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center, and Department of Agriculture Biotechnology Program Implementation Unit.

For more information about the workshop, send an email to knowledgecenter@isaaa.org.