A joint initiative by Deutsche Welle (DW) and Channels Academy has concluded a week-long environmental journalism training for young Nigerian creators, producing a new batch of short-form environmental stories designed for broadcast and social media.
The programme, held from November 17 to 21, brought together 4 early-career journalists, students and content creators for intensive workshops on environmental reporting, multimedia production and digital storytelling. The training formed part of a broader effort by both organisations to expand youth engagement on climate and environmental issues.
DW trainers Michael Trobridge and Katharina Schantz led the sessions alongside Channels Academy facilitators Simon Ejembi, Emmanuel Oshobajo, Olumide Odejide and Khadijat Kuburat Lawal.
Over the course of the workshop, participants received training in pitching, story development, research, fact-checking, filming, editing and ethical reporting. Field production exercises and hands-on editing sessions formed a major part of the curriculum.
The programme ended with a professional tour of Channels Television and a final review of participants’ projects.
The training produced four pilot social-first videos, each between 30 and 90 seconds, focusing on explainers, myth-busting content and short environmental calls-to-action. Organisers say the pieces were designed for Instagram Reels, TikTok, Facebook and broadcast adaptation.
The pilot demonstrated the potential of youth-focused environmental storytelling and signals plans for further collaboration.
