Overview:
Journalists from Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands gathered in Palau for a five-day workshop to strengthen reporting skills, improve storytelling and reinforce ethical journalism. Participants shared how lessons in interviewing, privacy protection and visual reporting can improve coverage in their communities.
By Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau (Nov. 12, 2026) – Journalists and media professionals from across Micronesia gathered in Palau for a five-day journalism workshop focused on strengthening reporting skills, promoting ethical journalism and improving how media organizations tell stories in their communities.
Hosted by the Palau Media Council in partnership with ABC International Development Media, the Foundations of Journalism workshop brought together participants from Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae and Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Palau.
The training covered a range of topics, including diversity in storytelling, interviewing techniques, ethical reporting, photography and video production. It combined online coursework with practical, hands-on exercises that allowed participants to apply what they learned to real-world reporting situations.
For Lucila Gunay, a multimedia editor with Yap Media representing the Yap government, the workshop provided an opportunity to improve her skills in gathering information, conducting interviews and producing visual content.
“I find it really helpful from the course that we completed online and the hands-on activity that we’re doing,” Gunay said. “I’m learning a lot, especially how journalists work to gather ideas and how to do interviews.”
Gunay, whose work involves filming and photography, said she was particularly interested in the visual journalism sessions and looked forward to learning more about video editing.
Frauleen Frederick, news director at the Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation in the Federated States of Micronesia, said several topics introduced during the workshop offered new approaches she could apply to her work.
Among the lessons that stood out were interviewing children and expanding news coverage by contacting a wider range of sources.
“I think it could really help me because I didn’t know that I could reach out to so many people, departments, agencies, and get out the story I wanted my audience to know,” Frederick said.
For Leilani MacQuinn, a DJ and newscaster with 692 Production and an anchorwoman with Yokwe TV in the Marshall Islands, one of the most valuable lessons was the importance of holding editorial meetings.
Journalists in small island media environments often take on multiple responsibilities, making communication and teamwork especially important. MacQuinn said editorial meetings give colleagues an opportunity to exchange ideas, identify potential stories and recognize how they can support one another.
She also emphasized the importance of obtaining permission before taking photographs, particularly when children are involved, and approaching interviews with greater sensitivity.
MacQuinn said the training reminded her that even questions intended to bring out positive experiences can sometimes trigger difficult emotions among interviewees.
“It reminded me that I need to just be careful and be aware,” she said.
Other participants highlighted the importance of protecting people’s privacy and handling sensitive stories responsibly.
Nrrupet, a participant from Chuuk Media, said protecting privacy during interviews was among the most important lessons learned. The training helped reinforce how journalists can approach people and gather information without intruding on their personal lives.
Daigo of TMC Palau said the guidance on reporting sensitive situations, including natural disasters and other serious incidents, was particularly valuable.
He also appreciated the balance between classroom instruction and practical exercises, which allowed participants to strengthen their understanding through both discussion and application.
“The training’s been really good,” Taima said.
According to ABC International Development Media’s course description, the Foundations of Journalism program is designed to equip participants with skills in impactful news writing, interviewing, filming and video editing while reinforcing journalism ethics and inclusive reporting practices.
Beyond developing technical skills, the five-day workshop gave journalists from different Pacific communities an opportunity to exchange experiences, learn from one another and reflect on the responsibilities that come with reporting.