Bridging skills gap in the media critical

THE Media High Council (MHC) has announced plans to empower the media industry through helping practitioners to get more skills. This is a strategy aimed at bridging the skills gap within the generally growing sector.The media in Rwanda have largely been characterised by shortage of skilled manpower compounded by the limited formal training institutions for journalists. Capacity building in the media industry is crucial for national development. The media are one of the biggest drivers of development in any society. It is also referred to as the Fourth Estate; it is the eyes and ears of society. A vibrant and robust media industry has capacity to expedite national development if the right skills and resources are invested into the sector.With the recent passing of the new media reforms, which give the media more autonomy and power to self-regulate, the biggest challenge is having skilled and trained people in the profession.Even in media houses where professionalisation is on course, there is need for capacity building in specific areas which can address the skills need for the industry. And this is where the MHC comes in handy.This development is timely and will go a long way in addressing the challenges affecting the media.However the success of this strategy will depend on the involvement of all the stakeholders. All stakeholders in the media industry must work in partnership with MHC if this strategy is to succeed.Furthermore, there is a need to encourage more private players to invest in the sector.

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Bridging skills gap in the media critical