“Independent Journalism” module for future media professionals

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From Newsroom to Classroom: Developing the “Independent Journalism” Module for Bangladesh’s Future Reporters

A practitioner’s journey in shaping tomorrow’s media professionals

Zulker Naeen

After eight years of navigating the complex landscape of independent journalism in Bangladesh—reporting for multiple national and international news platforms since 2017—I found myself at a pivotal juncture: the opportunity to shape the next generation of journalists through curriculum development.

As one of two authors developing the specialised “Independent Journalism” module under the Journalism of the Future Fellowship Program, I am translating years of practical experience into structured learning that will prepare aspiring journalists for the realities of independent media work.

A Critical Mission: Quality Media Regaining Trust

The “Journalism of the Future” Fellowship Program is implemented by the South Asia Center for Media Development (SACMID) in partnership with Deutsche Welle Academy (DW Akademie). In an era of declining confidence in traditional media, this fellowship program addresses a fundamental crisis facing journalism in Bangladesh and beyond.

The “Independent Journalism” module I’m co-authoring is intentionally designed for a broad spectrum of aspiring media professionals, recognising that journalism talent emerges from diverse backgrounds. According to the program framework, our target audience includes:

• Recent graduates exploring journalism careers and seeking practical entry points into the profession
• Content creators who want to transition from social media influence to credible journalism
• Activists seeking to adopt rigorous journalistic practices in their advocacy work
• Early-career journalists building independence and professional identity
• Professionals from other fields are bringing valuable expertise into journalism
• Students from both journalism and non-journalism academic backgrounds

This diversity reflects the reality of modern newsrooms and acknowledges that excellent journalism often benefits from interdisciplinary perspectives and diverse life experiences.

A Personal Commitment

In collaboration with DW Akademie, SACMID, and fellow trainers, we’re not just teaching journalism; we’re building a movement toward media that communities can trust, rely on, and engage with as partners in democratic development.

The author is currently co-authoring the “Independent Journalism” module as part of the Journalism of the Future Fellowship Program, a collaboration between SACMID and DW Akademie. Learn more about the program at sacmid.asia/journalism-of-the-future.