KATHMANDU, Feb 4: A three-day news writing workshop focused on story pitching, reporting, investigative journalism, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in writing concluded in Kathmandu on Tuesday.
The workshop, organized for students of St. Xavier’s College, along with guest participants from community colleges in the Kathmandu Valley, aimed to strengthen practical journalism skills through hands-on training and newsroom-style exercises, the college said in a press release.
Addressing the closing session, Kunda Dixit, adjunct professor at New York University Abu Dhabi and publisher of Nepali Times, stressed the importance of reading in developing strong writing skills. “The more we read, the better we write,” Dixit said, adding that reading helps journalists understand structure, context, flow, and vocabulary, which are essential for producing meaningful and responsible journalism.
LAN organizes creative writing workshop
St. Xavier’s College Principal Fr. Dr. Augustine Thomas S.J. said the workshop provided students with practical exposure to the craft of journalism. “What is more effective than hands-on experience?” he said, noting that the programme marked another step toward helping students report facts clearly and responsibly, the press release said.
Faculty Lead of Journalism Chun Bahadur Gurung said that while AI-assisted tools are increasingly shaping journalism, writing remains central to communication. He added that the workshop, conducted annually since 2021, is designed to prepare students for a changing media ecosystem by equipping them with relevant skills and knowledge. According to Gurung, several past participants are now working across different fields of mass communication, including leading media outlets in Nepal.
The press release further mentioned that the workshop featured interactive discussions and real-world newsroom simulations, allowing students to receive direct feedback from experienced media professionals. Sessions were facilitated by Sonia Awale, editor of Nepali Times; Rajneesh Bhandari of the Nepal Multimedia Investigative Journalism Network (NIMJN); and journalist Prabesh Subedi, among others.
A total of 32 students participated in the programme, which was organized in collaboration with NIMJN. St. Xavier’s College, accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2024, said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to hands-on learning and engagement with Nepal’s media landscape.
_20240911162456.JPG)
