In today's fast-paced digital world, where information spreads within seconds, the ability to write compelling and accurate news is no longer just an additional skill—it is an essential competency. Responding to this need, the Batak Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, organized a workshop entitled "News Writing for Print and Electronic Media in Professional Regional Journalism" on October 13, 2022. The workshop provided students with valuable insights into transforming everyday events into informative, engaging, and professionally written news stories that adhere to journalistic standards.
The workshop featured St. Drs. Jumian Situmorang, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Harian Perjuangan Baru Medan, as the keynote speaker. Drawing from his extensive experience in journalism, he guided participants through the fundamentals of news reporting, interviewing techniques, news writing, and the importance of accuracy, credibility, and journalistic ethics. The interactive session was moderated by Drs. Warisman Sinaga, M.Hum., and officially opened with remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Dra. T. Thyrhaya Zein, M.A., and the Head of the Batak Literature Study Program, Drs. Jekmen Sinulingga, M.Hum.
Through this workshop, the Batak Literature Study Program emphasized that preserving cultural heritage also requires the ability to tell meaningful stories. By mastering professional writing skills, students are empowered not only to become reliable communicators but also to serve as storytellers who document and promote local history, culture, and identity in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. After all, behind every well-written news story lies a voice worth hearing and a cultural legacy worth sharing with the world. 🌍✍️