Abstract:

The primary aim of the research project “International Journalism Education Standards” (IJES) is to assess international standards and practices of journalism education in developing and transformation countries. The study has been conducted by Deutsche Welle Akademie, Deutsche Welle's centre for international journalism training and media development cooperation in Bonn, Germany.

The research objective is to identify transnational similarities and differences of standards and practices in journalistic education while considering contextual influencing factors on the micro-, meso- and macro-level. To allow for comparative data analysis, standardized sampling methods, questionnaires and evaluation schemes have been applied. Data have been generated based on a mixed-methods approach using both qualitative and quantitative instruments of data collection and analysis.

Research has been conducted in five developing countries in different world regions. Kenya, Myanmar, Columbia, Ukraine and Egypt have been selected as national case studies representing a so-called matching sample. These countries can be called developing countries given their low socio-economic development, but also in respect to the prevalence of human rights issues and significant restrictions of press freedom. Furthermore, the political systems of all five countries represent different parliamentarian models which can be considered more or less democratic.

Half-standardized focus interviews with 8 to 10 experts in the field of journalism education have been conducted in the five countries. The interviewees are experts in the journalism education field representing a variety of academic and non-academic, public and private institutions. Interview transcripts have then been analyzed using qualitative content analysis. In addition to the first-hand data collection, the researchers have conducted secondary research of existing studies and provided national case studies including a thorough analysis of the political, historical, socio-economic context as well as the media and education system.

The results of the case study researches have been elaborated and analyzed in a comparative manner. In addition to the approach and methodology of the project the lecture will thus share insights about the status quos of education standards in journalism in the five selected countries, identifying unique circumstances as well as overarching challenges. Linked to the results, possible approaches of enhancement of journalism education and promising solutions for lack of standards in education of journalist shall be proposed.

The quantitative component of the study, that is still in process, consist of a large-scale online survey aimed at young journalists who have recently completed various forms of journalism education in one of the five selected countries. Apart from directly contacting relevant junior journalists through the DW Akademie database as well as the networks of its partner institutions, the survey will be distributed amongst local institutions of journalism education such as training centres, NGOs, colleges, universities, journalism associations and unions.

Keywords:

Journalism, Education, International, Standards, Methods, Development, Communication, Human Rights.