Young Arab journalists from 11 countries met in Lebanon’s capital Beirut in August to attend Reuters Foundation business journalism courses and learn more about markets, companies and business reporting in a region witnessing rising demand for financial news.
Many of the participants in the two courses (18-22 August and 25-29 August) wanted to develop their knowledge of financial concepts and economies in the Middle East to cover a rise in IPOs (Initial Public Offerings), increased stock market activity and mega construction projects financed by Gulf Arab oil producers, flush with profits.
They analysed economic topics such as company statements, mergers and acquisitions and inflation rates and applied their skills in writing assignments and by solving financial puzzles and games.
A favourite practical exercise for the class was to cover ‘mock’ press conferences held by instructors Greg McCune and Heba Kandil who role played central bank governors, CEOs and ministers.
The courses, held in the American University of Beirut (AUB) campus, were part of a series the Reuters Foundation has provided for the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA). Participants worked for state news agencies of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
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