A media training workshop has provided members of the Indian community with the practical skills to share their stories effectively. The final session in a series conducted by The Indian Sun was hosted by the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV).
Held on 24 September, the workshop was led by journalist and editor Indira Laisram. It formed part of FIAV’s ongoing VICHAR webinar series, facilitated by trustee and former president Sury Prakash Soni and co-hosted by Akshat Verma.
Titled ‘Crafting and Sharing Our Stories’, the session aimed to bolster multicultural representation, improve organisational communications, and open pathways into media careers.
In his opening remarks, Soni emphasised the core mission of the webinars. “The aim of these sessions is to bring the community together, fostering people-to-people connections,” he said. “Every person has unique talents to contribute, and our goal is to spark new learning and confidence.”
Laisram guided participants through the power of media as a tool for visibility and inclusion, stressing the need for authentic narratives that move beyond cultural clichés.
“Media is a powerful tool for both visibility and inclusion,” she explained. “Multicultural voices are often underrepresented, so it’s important for organisations to tell authentic stories that challenge stereotypes—for example, Indian communities should be known for more than just Diwali or Holi. There is a richness of experience and narrative that media can help reveal.”
The interactive session provided hands-on training in identifying compelling stories, from personal milestones to community achievements. Participants learnt practical skills such as structuring a press release, writing engaging headlines, and using images responsibly.
A key part of the discussion focused on journalistic ethics. Laisram highlighted the critical distinction between trained journalists and content creators in an era of misinformation.
“Journalists are trained to report impartially, presenting all sides and remaining objective,” she said. “Objectivity requires balanced reporting—showing all affected parties… and letting readers form their own opinions.”
The workshop also covered the growing role of digital platforms, offering tips on creating short videos and using social media to engage wider audiences. While acknowledging the utility of artificial intelligence for tasks like proofreading, Laisram reaffirmed the irreplaceable value of the human touch.
“Essential aspects of journalism—listening, interviewing, capturing real emotion—remain uniquely human,” she concluded. “Effective communication is about connecting, not perfect syntax.”
The webinar concluded with a strong encouragement for community members to leverage the unique power of ethnic media.
FIAV members praised the workshop for its relevance. One participant commented, “I’ve been volunteering for years, but this is the first time I’ve had such a clear understanding of how to get our work noticed in the media.”
“Ethnic media has always played a vital role in giving voice to our communities,” Soni added. “This workshop is just the beginning—we want more people to step up and become storytellers.”
The Indian Sun acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
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