Digital Media for Environmental Impact: Rwandan Journalists Embrace Affordable Storytelling Tools

Daddy Sadiki RUBANGURA, Executive Director at Rwanda Environmental Journalists (REJ), asserted that compelling environmental stories can be created using affordable resources, emphasizing the importance of creativity and purpose over budget.

He made the statement during a three-day training on mastering digital media tools and techniques held in Muhanga District from November 24 to 27, 2024. The training, organized by Rwanda Environmental Journalists (REJ), with the funding from FOJO Media Institute, covered topics such as digital journalism, multimedia storytelling, content creation and editing, and social media strategy, and empowered journalists to use data visualization, interactive media, and social platforms to make environmental issues more accessible and visible.

Digital journalism refers to the practice of gathering, producing, and distributing news and information using digital platforms and technologies. It is characterized by its ability to deliver content instantaneously and interactively through various online mediums, including websites, mobile apps, social media, podcasts, and video streaming platforms.

It often leverages multimedia elements—text, images, videos, audio, and infographics—to engage readers and present information dynamically. Additionally, digital journalism has transformed the way people consume news, making it faster, more interactive, and more diverse. It continues to evolve with technological advancements like artificial intelligence and augmented reality.

“REJ provided training to journalists on using everyday tools like phones and cameras to cover stories. The training aimed to change the perception that journalists need expensive professional cameras to take good pictures or videos,” Rubangura stated.

He noted that the training aimed to change journalists’ attitudes by recognizing that their phones are not just for making calls or playing songs; they should be used for their daily journalistic tasks, such as taking pictures, editing them, and publishing their stories without having to reach to bring the camera.

He said, “Environmental journalists often face delays in their daily activities due to requests for photos or videos. This can be frustrating, as they often have to take pictures of themselves and broadcast the story through their phone, which can cause delays in their work.”

He expressed concern about the lack of positive attitudes among some REJ’s over 100 journalists, stating that the training aims to change this situation.

Rubangura emphasized the importance of journalists using digital tools to protect the environment, as technology plays a crucial role in our daily lives and serves as the voice of the environment.

Eduque ISINGIZWE, a journalism student at East African University Rwanda, who participated in the training, emphasized the importance of digital literacy and the ability to effectively communicate environmental stories to the audience using any available digital tools.

He said, “Before training, I thought that without a camera, computer, and microphone, there would be no reporting. But now I saw that it only requires a smartphone and skills in using apps like Canva and Capcut to edit audio, photos, and videos.”

Moreover, on the final day of training, trainees visited Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA)’s digital platform, where they learned how RBA’s team manages its platforms, using journalistic content or creating their own to reach a wider audience.