By Sean Freeman
Howard University students Cathy Hughes School of Communicationtogether with Assoc Jennifer Thomasthey participate CNN Academy newsroom simulation December 8-18 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Seniors at Howard University Kyle Fisher and Donovan McNeal are the only representatives from HBCUs in attendance. Fisher is studying strategic communications and criminology, and McNeal is studying digital journalism and environmental studies. This week, they are among 160 peers from around the world attending the Abu Dhabi boot camp. Professor Thomas, a former CNN executive and veteran news producer, joins them as a faculty advisor.
Fisher was a White House Correspondents’ Association Fellow this year and an NBCUniversal summer intern for the 2024 Paris Olympics. He was also the editor of the sports section The Hilltopand All-MEAC long and triple jumper in track and field.
“Atlanta boot camp taught me how to shoot TV-ready footage and audio with mobile devices and produce multimedia stories close to deadline,” Fisher said. “I look forward to learning about the integration of artificial intelligence into journalism and improving my news production skills during my Abu Dhabi experience.”
The CNN Abu Dhabi learning opportunity follows participation in the CNN Breaking News Academy, a five-day Atlanta boot camp held in October. The training covered topics such as storytelling, mobile journalism, ethics, artificial intelligence and writing for digital platforms.
McNeal, who currently serves as investigative editor The Hilltop He said he produced news for media organizations such as Ark Republic, and gained new videography and editing skills at the academy.
“I’ve learned new videography and editing skills through collaboration with my peers and instruction from accomplished professionals,” McNeal said. “The Abu Dhabi simulation offers a unique opportunity to experience the fast pace of breaking news in an immersive environment.”
The CNN Academy Newsroom Simulation in Abu Dhabi focuses on the role of artificial intelligence in journalism and provides hands-on training in investigative reporting. There, participants will engage in a week-long immersive exercise focused on the role of artificial intelligence in the newsroom and learn the basics of investigative reporting. Thanks to a partnership with CNN Academy, Delta Airlines Provides free travel to UAE for students traveling from USA.
Thomas is the director Annenberg Honors Program Cathy Hughes is an associate professor of broadcast journalism in the School of Communication and the Department of Media, Journalism and Film. He is a Fulbright Scholar and former AEJMC Scripps-Howard Teacher of the Year.
“Traveling to Abu Dhabi with Howard students is a groundbreaking experiential learning opportunity,” said Thomas. It is a great honor to represent Howard as the only HBCU among the global participants.”
In the Annenberg Honors Program, communication students participate in honors courses that culminate in the completion of a master’s degree thesis. In addition to rigorous academics, students in the program participate in university-wide events, participate in field trips, and contribute to community service projects.
