The standards of journalism will be determined in part by the existence of training institutions. This in turn will be influenced by two main factors: the political and economic climate.
In a situation where the media environment is greatly restricted, there is unlikely to be any academic or training institution that can teach journalists the necessary skills. It is unlikely also that professional bodies will be willing or able to provide such training. In poorer countries, providing journalism training is seldom seen as a priority. This is often to do with the low social status accorded to journalists.
In either circumstance, it may help to develop training facilities on a regional or even international level. International journalists' organizations such as the International Federation of Journalists have considerable expertise (including in the area of election reporting) and can provide training, especially in new or transitional democracies. (See International Federation of Journalists: Election Reporting Handbook.) Regional training institutions can provide a type of journalism training that is well geared to the experience of a journalist's home country, without the same political or economic constraints.
See also Journalist Training.
