Launch of the ‘Integrated Newsroom’

The event to officially launch the ‘Integrated Newsroom’, a novel idea to provide the exposure and training to the Media Studies students on print, electronic and new media under one umbrella at the University of Jaffna took place on the 6th of December 2022. The Newsroom has been established as per the MoU signed between the HELVETAS Intercooperation gGmbH Sri Lanka and the University of Jaffna in order to provide the ‘Incubator Space’ as a platform for generating creative thoughts.

The event commenced at the Media Lab of the Media Studies with a traditional welcoming of guests, a walk through the incubator space led by the students, key notes and remarks by distinguished guests and a reflective experience sharing by InSPIRE (Incubator Space for Promoting Information Right and Freedom of Expression) student network members representing the Department of Media Studies, University of Jaffna.
The launch was followed by a creative presentation of media products developed by the undergraduate students of Media Studies, under the guidance of Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum (SDJF). The event was graced by the Chief Guest – Vice Chancellor, University of Jaffna – Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah; Guest of Honors HELVETAS Project Manager for the InSPIRE project – Ms. Chandula Kumbukage; Head of the Department of Media Studies – Prof. S. Raguram; Programme Director SDJF – Mr. Mohammed Azad; staff members of HELVETAS and SDJF, as well as staff members and undergraduate students of the Department of Media Studies from the University of Jaffna.

HELVETAS Intercooperation gGmbH Sri Lanka under the InSPIRE project established three incubator spaces in collaboration with Media and Journalism students and lecturers from University of Sri Jayawardenepura, University of Peradeniya, and University of Jaffna respectively. These incubator spaces have been established in the Department of Media Studies, University of Jaffna; Department of Sinhala and Mass Communication, University of Sri Jayawardenepura and the Department of Agriculture Extension, University of Peradeniya respectively.

The setup of each incubator space has been uniquely designed at the three universities in consultation with the students to provide a progressive environment for media and journalism students to freely engage in dialogue on contemporary political, socio-economic issues in the country, enhance their practical skills, engage in media production and conduct sharing sessions. Each incubator space is equipped with a broadcasting area, media equipment, co-working space, lounge area and conference facilities. This multi-disciplinary space will provide an enabling space for learning, networking and collaboration among members of the InSPIRE network, sector experts, media professionals and resource persons.

The project ‘Incubator Space for Promoting Information Right and Freedom of Expression’ (InSPIRE) is funded by the European Union and co-implemented by HELVETAS Intercooperation gGmbH Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum.