**KUNA Center Launches Specialized Press Interview Training Program**

Kuwaiti Media Professionals Enhance Interview Skills in New Training Program

Kuwait City, Kuwait – September 7, 2025 – A extensive training initiative designed to sharpen press interview techniques was launched today, Sunday, by the KUNA Center for the development of Media Capabilities. The program welcomes participants from prominent Kuwaiti and Qatari institutions, including the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Qatar News Agency (QENA), Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Kuwait Ports Corporation, and the Petroleum chemical Industries Company.

Focus on Mastering the Art of the Interview

The four-day program, led by Nasser Al-Khamri, a leading editor at KUNA, will run until September 11th. It will delve into the various formats of press interviews, methods for understanding interviewee expectations, and establishing clear criteria for prosperous outcomes. According to a recent report by the Poynter Institute, effective interviewing remains a cornerstone of quality journalism in the digital age.

A Blend of Theory and Practical Application

The curriculum integrates both theoretical foundations and hands-on exercises. Participants will learn how to formulate insightful questions, skillfully manage interview dialogues, project charisma, and interpret nonverbal cues.The training also covers the crucial aspects of editing interview transcripts for clarity and impact. This focus on practical application reflects a growing industry trend towards equipping journalists with versatile skill sets.

Did You Know? The KUNA Center for the Development of Media Capabilities has been a leading provider of media training in the region since its establishment in December 1995, having delivered hundreds of programs across diverse media disciplines.

Key Program details

Aspect	details
Program Name	Conducting Press Interviews
Organizer	KUNA Center for the Development of Media capabilities
Led Instructor	Nasser Al-Khamri
Dates	September 7th – September 11th, 2025
Participants	KUNA, QENA, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Kuwait Ports Corporation, Petroleum Chemical Industries company

The KUNA Center’s dedication to continuous professional development underscores the importance of a skilled media workforce in today’s rapidly evolving information landscape. This program reflects a commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity and effective communication.

The Evolution of Interview Techniques

Interviewing, as a skill, has dramatically changed with the rise of digital media. Traditionally focused on direct questioning, effective interviews now require journalists to be adept at social media research, background checks, and understanding the nuances of online communication. Furthermore, the emphasis has shifted toward building rapport and fostering trust with interviewees, especially in an era of increasing skepticism towards the media. Nieman lab regularly publishes insights into the changing media landscape.

What role do you believe continuous training plays in upholding journalistic standards? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

do you think media training programs should place more emphasis on digital interview techniques?

How does this program specifically address the challenges posed by the 24/7 news cycle and the rise of social media in shaping public perception?

KUNA Centre Launches Specialized Press Interview Training Program

Empowering Voices: A New Era in Media Preparedness

The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) Center has announced the launch of a highly specialized press interview training program, designed to equip professionals with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of media engagement. This initiative addresses a growing need for effective communication strategies in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The program focuses on both traditional and modern interview formats, including television, radio, print, and increasingly, digital and social media interviews.

Who Benefits from This Training?

This program isn’t just for seasoned public relations professionals. KUNA’s media training is geared towards a diverse range of individuals, including:

Corporate Executives: Enhance your ability to articulate company vision and respond to challenging questions.

Government Officials: Master the art of communicating policy and addressing public concerns.

Spokespersons: Become a confident and credible voice for your association.

Subject Matter Experts: Effectively convey complex information to a broad audience.

Researchers & Scientists: Translate research findings into accessible and engaging narratives.

Anyone facing potential media scrutiny: Proactive readiness is key to managing your public image.

Core Modules of the Press Interview Training

The KUNA center’s program is structured around a series of intensive modules,covering critical aspects of interview skills and media relations.

1. Understanding the Media Landscape: A deep dive into the different types of media, their audiences, and their agendas. This includes understanding the nuances of broadcast media, print journalism, and online news.
2. Key Messaging & Storytelling: Developing concise, impactful key messages and learning how to weave them into compelling narratives. Emphasis is placed on crafting a consistent brand message.
3. Interview Techniques & Strategies: Mastering techniques for answering difficult questions, handling hostile interviewers, and staying on message. This includes practicing the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for providing clear and concise answers.
4. Non-Verbal Communication: Recognizing the importance of body language, tone of voice, and visual presentation in conveying credibility and confidence. Communication skills are honed through video analysis and personalized feedback.
5. Crisis Communication: learning how to effectively manage and respond to negative publicity and potential crises. Reputation management is a central theme.
6. Social media & Digital Interviews: Adapting interview skills for the digital age, including live streams, podcasts, and social media Q&As. Understanding digital PR best practices.

Practical Training Methods

The program distinguishes itself through its highly practical, hands-on approach. Participants will benefit from:

Mock Interviews: Realistic simulations of various interview scenarios, conducted by experienced media professionals.

Video recording & Feedback: Detailed analysis of interview performance, with constructive feedback on both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Case Studies: Examination of real-world examples of accomplished and unsuccessful media engagements.

Personalized Coaching: One-on-one sessions with trainers to address individual needs and challenges.

Media Law & ethics Overview: A foundational understanding of legal and ethical considerations in media interactions.

The Importance of Media Training in Today’s World

In an era of 24/7 news cycles and instant information dissemination, effective media preparedness is more crucial than ever. A single poorly handled interview can have notable consequences for an individual or organization. This program aims to mitigate those risks by providing participants with the tools and confidence to:

Control the narrative.

Protect their reputation.

Build trust with the public.

* Achieve their communication objectives.

KUNA’s Commitment to Excellence in Journalism & Communication

The launch of this press interview training program underscores KUNA’s commitment to fostering excellence in journalism and communication. By investing in the development of media skills, KUNA is contributing to a more informed and transparent public discourse. The program aligns with KUNA’s broader mission of providing accurate and reliable news coverage, both domestically and internationally.