Embassy News
U.S. Embassy Hosts Media Training Sessions
March 10, 2008
Embassy Baghdad hosted an International Information Programs speaker, Dr. Steven Livingston, Professor of Media, Public, and International Affairs at The George Washington University, who conducted a series of media training sessions for almost 70 Government of Iraq officials and 50 Iraqi journalists between February 28 and March 2. The program improved the skills of Iraqi communicators, broadened U.S. Government contacts with the Government of Iraq, and met with enthusiastic support from Government of Iraq officials for future programs.
Media Training for the Highest Levels of the Government of Iraq…
On March 1, Dr. Steven Livingston conducted a workshop for almost 20 senior Iraqi Government communicators. Professor Livingston focused his theme on best practices of strategic communication and impressed upon the gathered communicators the need to maximize inter-agency coordination and minimize “communication chaos.” The spokespersons unanimously and enthusiastically requested more such visits by U.S. communication experts.
…For the Next Generation of Iraqi Leaders…
On March 2, Professor Livingston tailored his presentation to a more junior Government of Iraq audience. Through the cooperation of Armed Forces Network personnel at MNF-I’s Combined Press and Information Center, Dr. Livingston augmented his theoretical lectures with practical exercises by conducting simulated satellite interviews and offering the participants advice and positive reinforcement during video playback. One Iraqi government training official praised such exercises as invaluable to strengthening his country’s diplomatic capabilities and suggested the creation of an ongoing professional-development program for Government of Iraq communicators.
…And for Iraq’s Independent Media
Recognizing the need for promoting strategic communication outside government, Dr. Livingston also trained almost 50 independent Iraqi print and broadcast journalists. The professor again combined theory and practice by welcoming Embassy Spokesperson Mirembe Nantongo to participate in a practical exercise, a mock press conference, and offering the journalists feedback to enhance their questioning techniques. The journalists chuckled as Livingston observed that their sharpened skills might make the job of Embassy spokespersons more difficult. However, he added that in the long run, a strong independent Iraqi press corps served the common U.S. and GOI interest of building a stable and democratic Iraq. The professor also introduced his journalist trainees to the Western concepts of rules of attribution, which he described as a powerful tool which, if applied, would enhance the capabilities of the Iraqi media.
A Grateful Guest Gives Back to the U.S. Government Community
At the request of the Mission and MNF-I, Professor Livingston also spent several hours sharing his expertise in smaller meetings, including diagnostic tours of the Embassy Public Affairs Section and the MNF-I Media Operations Center. On February 29, Livingston conducted an in-house media training called “Strategic Communication for Transformational Diplomacy,” which was open to all Mission and MNF-I personnel. In addition to the 40 attendees at the Embassy, several Provincial Reconstruction Team members in Muthanna joined the training through a live DVC broadcast. Dr. Livingston concluded his presentation by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to those gathered, not only for their participation, but also for the sacrifices which they are making for their country.
Breaking New Ground
Because of his expertise in strategic communication in foreign policy (including Iraq), Professor Livingston’s training program effectively underscored U.S. Government support for more of this kind of Public Diplomacy programming and will generate interest in future professional-development programs. Such programs not only equip our Iraqi counterparts with skills required for a modern, effective, and democratic government, but also present us opportunities to broaden our contacts with Government of Iraq communicators. Livingston's visit demonstrated that speaker programs are feasible in Iraq.
About Dr. Steven Livingston
Steven Livingston is Professor of Media and Public Affairs and International Affairs at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Following service in the United States Army (1975-1981), Livingston received a Bachelors degree in political science from the University of South Florida (1982) and a Masters (1984) and Ph.D. (1990) in political science from the University of Washington. He joined the faculty of The George Washington University in 1991. Among other honors, he has been a Shorenstein Fellow at Harvard University and a Fulbright Scholar. Livingston has written scores of research publications appearing in academic journals and books.