A group of interns recently concluded a comprehensive editorial internship program at Kuwait Times, which combined field reporting with hands-on experience in various stages of newspaper production. The program, designed to provide practical exposure beyond initial newsroom assignments, enabled participants to cover diplomatic events and community activities while gaining insights into the workflow behind daily news publishing.
Throughout the internship, the interns engaged with diverse assignments, including coverage of events hosted by the Indonesian, Chinese, and Indian embassies, where they explored how media reporting can reflect international relations and community engagement. They also reported on local happenings such as International Dog Day, held by Pet Zone. These experiences encouraged the interns to probe deeper into story angles to create content that resonates with readers.
Training sessions were led by seasoned journalism professionals from Kuwait Times, each bringing extensive experience to their respective areas. Managing Editor Shakir Reshamwala guided the interns through the entire life cycle of a daily newspaper, from initial news gathering to editing, proofreading, printing, and distribution. Additional individualized instruction came from Deputy Managing Editor Chidi Emmanuel, who emphasized the importance of effective headline writing in attracting and maintaining audience trust; Business Editor Sajeev K Peter, who covered core editorial principles such as accuracy and objectivity while introducing various editing techniques; and Social Media Manager Ahmad Jabr, who provided practical lessons in digital journalism, including content creation, news monitoring, and adapting stories for platforms like Instagram.
Further insights into video storytelling and investigative journalism were offered by Social Media Deputy Manager Sahar Moussa, who shared her approach to developing projects, overcoming challenges, and the persistence required to pursue stories over extended periods. She also discussed interviewing techniques, including the significance of preparation, research, and building rapport with sources.
The interns had the opportunity to witness the production process firsthand by staying late into the evening as the newspaper took shape. Page makers Zakir Mansoori and Madithape Sreenivasulu introduced them to newspaper layout design, and the interns experimented with assembling a page based on a peer’s article. Subsequently, they joined proofreaders Sebastian D’Souza and Mohamed Hasen in reviewing pages for factual accuracy, grammar, and style. Visits to the printing press, guided by Sports Editor Antonio Coelho and operator Mustansir Shabbir, demonstrated how finalized content is transformed from digital layouts to physical newspapers, highlighting the intricate coordination required at every stage.
In parallel with their training, the interns developed reports addressing social, economic, and cultural topics relevant to Kuwait. Under the mentorship of reporters Nebal Snan and Passant Hisham, their coverage included analyses of purchasing power trends over the last decade, the influence of language and culture on social integration, the evolution of Kuwait’s theater scene, and profiles of innovative entrepreneurs in sustainable fashion. Health-related stories examined parental awareness of autism, the effects of social media on young girls’ body image and mental health, and potential impacts of Kuwait’s climate on women’s reproductive health. Additional reporting covered addiction, recovery, and progress in disability care and prevention.
The internship concluded with participants having built a broad understanding of journalism across multiple facets—from story development and editorial decision-making to production and distribution—preparing them for future careers in the media industry.