Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) has equipped reporters from various media houses with essential skills for effectively reporting on business, economic, financial, and development issues.
The recent two-day training covered issues surrounding local businesses and enterprises. This initiative aimed to develop a cohort of local business reporters who are proficient in business and economic reporting by fostering expertise in these areas.
Apart from that, media houses can strengthen their business or economic beats, enhancing their coverage of critical issues. This introductory-level training culminates in the RSL Business Reporting Awards to be held at the end of this year.
In his opening remarks, on behalf of the commissioner general, RSL head of strategic partnership and public relations, Pheello Mphana, said the workshop was intended to improve reporters’ financial, economic and developmental reporting.
He stated that in an era where information is abundant and the demand for transparency is greater than ever, the role of the media in shaping public understanding of financial/economic matters cannot be overstated.
“Today, we embark on a journey that will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex world of tax and financial reporting. This training is not just about understanding numbers and regulations; it is about empowering you to communicate effectively, to ask the right questions, and to hold institutions accountable.
“As media professionals, you are the bridge between complex financial information and the public. Your ability to distill intricate financial/economic reports into clear, accessible narratives is crucial. It is your responsibility to ensure that citizens are informed and educated, and that key institutions and businesses are held accountable, and that policymakers are guided by the truth,” Mphana noted.
He said in recent years, there have been significant changes in economic policies some of which are yet to be finalised and operationalised.
The landscape is evolving rapidly, and with it, the challenges and opportunities for the media. As a result, the training aimed to provide reporters with the tools to understand these changes, to analyse their implications, and to report on them with accuracy and integrity.
“As we move forward, let us remember the importance of ethical reporting. In a world where misinformation can spread like wildfire, our commitment to truth and accuracy is paramount. We must strive to be not just reporters of facts, but also educators who help our audiences understand the implications of those facts that we are reporting on,” Mphana added.
