Media professionals unite to address digital challenges

Some 25 journalists from central and provincial areas of Laos are meeting in Vientiane from August 5-7 for a training workshop titled “Digital Dialogue”.

The gathering aims to enhance the digital skills of Lao media professionals ahead of the 75th anniversary of Mass Media and Publishing Day on August 13.

The workshop features specialist trainers from Australia, Laos and Thailand, who are sharing their expertise with journalists from state and private media outlets in Vientiane and the provinces.

The workshop is organised by the Lao Journalists’ Association in cooperation with the Australian Embassy to Laos and ABC Australia, with support from the Australian government.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Deputy Head of the Propaganda and Training Committee of the Party Central Committee, Mr Vansay Tavinyan; President of the Lao Journalists’ Association, Mr Savankhone Razmountry; Australian Ambassador to Laos, Ms Megan Jones; and ABCID Director for Engagement and Programme Development, Mr Aaron Kearney.

Mr Vansay thanked the Australian Embassy for its financial support, which he said enabled the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to collaborate with the Lao Journalists’ Association in organising this timely and essential training for Lao journalists.

Participants are sharing in discussions on key topics such as digital transformation, media viability, digital content production, mobile journalism, countering fake news, Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy, and social media and platform analytics.

Australian Ambassador to Laos, Ms Megan Jones, said “Our gathering here this week is more than just a conversation; it is a platform for collaboration, connections, and empowerment.”

“In an era of rapid digital transformation, media professionals are not only storytellers but also key changemakers in shaping public understanding and fostering a digital-ready society.”

“Australia remains a trusted and responsive partner for Laos. We are committed to working with you to support the Lao media to serve the public with high-quality and trustworthy information.”

“I am delighted to share that Australia will support Laos’ upcoming 75th anniversary of Lao Mass Media and Publishing Day. Our growing relationships with the Mass Media Department, Lao Journalists’ Association, and Lao media outlets reflect our ongoing commitment to capacity building in the media industry,” Ambassador Jones said.

By Siladda Suliyong