GUJRAT: A trio of experts from the Oklahoma University showed the ropes of modern-day journalism to the media students and faculty members in a series of workshops which concluded here at Hafiz Hayat Campus of the University of Gujrat (UoG) on Wednesday.

The two-day activities were launched by the varsity`s Centre for Media and Mass Communication Studies (CMCS) as thelastepisode ofits successful four-year association with the Gaylord College of Journalismand the Mass Communication of Oklahoma University (OU) of the United States.

Prof David Craig, Prof Scott Hodgson and Prof Jim Avery from the Oklahoma University introduced the participants to the most modern techniques, trends and practices being employed by the contemporary print and electronic world media organisations.

Prof David Craig shed ample light on different techniques of story-writing, various ethical issues and other challenges without affecting its credibility and a highstandard ofaccuracy.

Prof Scott Hodgson, who has extensive experience as producerand director and was selected by Producer magazine as one of the top 100 producers in his country, focused his training sessions on promotional, corporate and commercial media and the role of creativity in different types of video productions.

Jim Avery, an advertising professor, highlighted the importance of effective strategic planning in any advertising or public relations engagement at the workshop held at the Video Conference Hall of the UoG.

The speakers also attended a ceremony celebrating the completion of the four-year UoG-OU Linkage Programme which waslaunched as part of an MoU on cooperation signed between the CMCS and Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication of Oklahoma University.

Dean Faculty of Arts Prof Dr Fareeshullah Yousufzai said the linkage programme had helped broaden the outlook of the UoG students and faculty about mediarelated studies.

Earlier, addressing the opening session of the workshops, he said, `Educational ties between different nations of the world have a positive impact on social and community development moves.

CMCS chairperson Zahid Yousufsaid the linkage programme had bolstered the professional skills of our department. He said a video lab would be set up at the CMCS in near future.

US State Department Representative in Pakistan Jamal Ghazanfar said the programme successfully served all its purposes. `It held a special significance for the UoG because of the large number of its students and faculty members making it to the US for higher education, more than that of any other university.

He said they were also supporting the efforts for the establishment of a TV studio at the UoG.