The Caiman Vybe Volume 1, No 1 Dec 9 2017 | Page 7

Members of COSTAATT. MATT & the US Embassy at the Entrepreneurial Journalism Workshop on Nov 20, 2017.
Photos Credit: Clydeen McDonald
Make Words, Make Ca$h
T
By Dareece Polo &
Giselle Permell
he 21st Century has become a struggle for survival for journalists,
some of whom are being placed on the breadline due to a
downturn in the economy. Add to that, today’s journalists are
forced to compete with anyone who has a smartphone. Those in the
industry are seeking new ways to become self sufficient, with or without
the backing of mainstream media. Association, Rachele Kanigel, spoke virtually to those in attendance.
She stirred up the laid back room when Professor Kanigel encouraged
participants to be creative as they were placed in groups to come up
with their very own unique strategies for a money making business. One
group came up with an online magazine to provide information on Islam
and raise awareness about the group in T&T.
Taking up the mantle to steer journalists in the right direction, the Ken
Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies along with
the the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT), held a two-
day Entrepreneurial Journalism Workshop in which 40 people, incluing
practitioners and students, participated. The event occurred on Nov. 20
and 28 at the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Unit. One COSTAATT student said she was happy she attended the event. “I
already started a blog, ‘It Can Happen To You Too’ and I found myself
stuck as to how to move forward. I’m happy to know that I chose
something I’m passionate about and I’m also inspired to keep building
my brand.” Instrumental in staging the event, visiting Fulbright Professor
at COSTAATT, Joanne Lisosky, said she felt like she fulfilled her duty
with this workshop.
The key presenter on Nov. 28, was owner of Wired868 Lasana Liburd
who spoke about his journey from senior Express reporter, to owner
of his own website. His presentation was titled: “Adventures of a Media
Entrepreneur.” Liburd, though shy to reveal his earnings now, said it
was important for reporters to note that starting a business or brand
does not automatically mean easy money. In fact, for the first 18 months
of operating the business, Liburd said he made zero. Now he has
sponsorship from major companies including Flow, Direct TV
and Bmobile.
“It was thrilling to see professional journalists and journalism students
working together to find ways to use their talents to enrich themselves
and their country.”
Mark Briggs, author of “Entrepreneurial Journalism” was one of
two presenters on Nov. 20. He joined the group virtually with his
presentation, “Bring Your Idea to Life: How to build what’s next for
news.” Mark Lyndersay, editor and owner of TechNewsTT.com also
shared his insights with his presentation: “The Entrepreneurial Journalist
2017.” MATT, COSTAATT and US Embassy officials also gave opening
and closing remarks at the event. Many in who attended shared the hope
that this kind of workshop will continue.
He said journalists should, “provide something there i s a need for, or
something that you have an advantage to.” With this in mind, Liburd was
able to move from breaking even to profitability. Professor from the San
Francisco State University and former President of the College Media
Mr. Adam
Jagelski,
Public Officer
of the US
Embassy, with
Professor
Lisosky and
students of
Ken Gordon
SOJACS.
COSTAATT
Faculty
Members look
on at Mark
Lyndersays
persentation.
Caiman Vybe | Volume 1, No. 1 | December 9, 2017.
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