Department of Media Holds Workshop on TV Presentation and Communication Skills for Journalists

On January 20, 2025, the Department of Media at Cihan University-Erbil organized a workshop titled “Fundamentals of TV Presentation and Communication Skills for Journalists,” presented by Dr. Amjad Younis Al-Janabi, an academic and media professional from Samarra Satellite Channel. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on quality education and lifelong learning. The workshop was attended by Assistant Lecturer Azwar Mehdi Qasim Agha, Head of the Media Department, along with faculty members and a large group of students.

In the first session, Dr. Amjad Younis addressed the “Fundamentals of Presentation and Dealing with the Camera.” He provided a thorough explanation of how to prepare mentally, physically, and psychologically for working in front of the camera, with a strong emphasis on practical application. His engaging teaching style, including innovative analogies like comparing a TV production team to a football team, encouraged active student participation and sparked insightful discussions.

The second session, led by Dr. Ali Munim Al-Qudah, focused on “Essential Communication Skills for Beginner Journalists.” He covered key skills such as writing, editing, using modern technology, public speaking, dialogue, reading, and non-verbal communication. Dr. Ali Munim also stressed the importance of consistent training and practice to hone these skills.

At the end of the session, Dr. Amjad Younis expressed interest in hosting Media Department students at Samarra Satellite Channel. He emphasized the value of field visits as a means of bridging theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

 Assistant Lecturer Azwar Qasim Agha reflected on the workshop’s significance, stating that it plays a crucial role in “honing the skills of our students and equipping them for success in the media industry.” He also highlighted the Media Department’s ongoing effort to bring in experts from various media organizations, ensuring students stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. This workshop is part of the Media Department’s broader commitment to preparing students for the job market while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which emphasizes quality education.

Volunteers

# Image Name Duration Credits
1 Azwar Mehdi Qasim Agha Azwar Mehdi Qasim Agha 3 85
2 Cihan University – Erbil Cihan University – Erbil 3 85

On Monday, December 28, 2025, Rizgar Salih, a third-stage student in the Media Department at Cihan University-Erbil, discussed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by university students during a television program on Speda Satellite Channel.

The program, Amroy Speda, dedicated one of its segments to ‘The Use of Artificial Intelligence by University Students’. For this segment, the channel invited Rizgar Salih to share his insights. At the beginning of his talk, he stated: Artificial Intelligence is not entirely new, but it has now become widespread, especially among students, as it is a highly supportive tool that can provide significant benefits in education.

He added, Artificial Intelligence complements human work and advances society, but we must not forget that it cannot completely replace human jobs and professions.

Later, Rizgar Salih noted: University students should make the most of AI’s features, but they must not let it replace their own critical thinking. At university, we have various tasks and responsibilities; it is normal to use AI as an assistant to gather information or manage time. However, we must not rely entirely on it to complete all our tasks, as this could ultimately harm our academic and scientific development.

Regarding lecturers’ perspectives on students’ use of Artificial Intelligence he pointed out that many allow it, provided it is used correctly and within certain limits, so that students benefit rather than suffer harm. He also mentioned that many lecturers guide students on how to use AI effectively and responsibly.

In his concluding remarks, Rizgar emphasized that students must stay updated and aware of contemporary technological changes. Since the current era is known as the age of Artificial Intelligence, he stressed that it is essential not to remain ignorant of these advancements.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, on the occasion of Flag Day, the Department of Media at Cihan University–Erbil organized a field activity at Milli Market in the Newroz neighbourhood, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Ahmed Jamal Hama Karim.

The activity was participated by students from both the first and second stages of the Department of Media. During the activity, the students distributed Kurdistan flags and informational brochures to citizens at Milli Market in the Newroz neighbourhood of Erbil city. The brochure content included information about the Kurdistan flag and its components, as well as the history of raising the Kurdistan flag for the first time by Peshawa Qazi Muhammad. In addition, the brochure referred to the 2009 decision of the Kurdistan Parliament, which designated December 17 of each year as Flag Day.

The purpose of the activity was to commemorate Flag Day, raise public awareness about the history and symbolism of the Kurdistan flag, and foster loyalty and national identity among citizens. These aims reflect one of the main objectives of the Department of Media in organizing this meaningful activity.

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Media Department at Cihan University–Erbil launched an intensive two-day training workshop on the university campus for students from various academic levels. The sessions focused on helping students envision their professional future and discussing modern methods and mechanisms that enable them to enter the rapidly developing and highly competitive media job market with confidence and competence.

The Media Department also welcomed Mr. Manaf Mubarak, Director of Projects at the German DW Network, in an academic visit aimed at enhancing students’ professional capabilities and connecting theoretical knowledge with international field experience.

During the sessions, Mr. Mubarak devoted a substantial portion of the sessions to technical and practical training. He provided students with a detailed explanation of the DPA application, demonstrating how to use it effectively as a tool for journalistic work and news coverage. This reflects the university’s commitment to equipping its students with the latest digital tools used in major international media institutions, ensuring the development of a media generation that is both knowledgeable and technically proficient.

At the end of the sessions, the Media Department expressed its gratitude to Mr. Mubarak for his time and dedication to the students. The department remains committed to opening doors to international media centers and providing more opportunities for students to enrich their journalistic experience.