Times Media invests R10.2m in development of excellence in journalism

The investment will fund various programmes suited to levels of expertise and focus, and will be in conjunction with Times Media's School of Journalism (SoJ) programme which started in 1998 and has already trained 160 journalists.

Key training initiatives for 2013 include:

• Editorial leadership and development that will include six to eight international learning opportunities with newspapers in the UK
• Sub-editing and production training for at least 20 existing staff
• Content-quality programme, managed by experienced copy coaches
• Media law

Times Media is also committed to job creation and skills development of South Africa's youth, and as such will be running:

• An intern programme that will recruit and develop ten new journalists
• A work experience programme for up to 15 graduates and undergraduates

The courses will be lead by Paddi Clay, who is currently at the helm of the SoJ programme.

Dominc Mhlangu, deputy editor of The Times, is setting up editorial centres of excellence for journalists reporting on local government events and issues.
Kim Hawkey, Group Courts and Law Editor at Times Media, will similarly be managing the training programme for court reporters.

Mike Robertson, Managing Director Times Media says, "Quality editorial has always been the cornerstone of success for Times Media. This ongoing investment reflects our commitment to ensure it remains so in the years to come."