Kenyan Journalists Grasp Vital Media Tips From World Athletics Ahead Of Absa Kip Keino Classic

_{World Athletics (WA) Press Liaison Delegate Cornelia Shmid trains journalists in Nairobi on Friday during AK/SJAK Media Seminar ahead Saturday’s Absa Kip Keino Classic. PHOTO/ SJAK}

NAIROBIO, Kenya- Sports media practitioners in Kenya have received vital media coverage tips ahead of Kip Keino Classic extravaganza slated for Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

World Athletics (WA) Press Liaison Delegate Cornelia Shmid- who is in Nairobi for the upcoming Continental Tour showpiece -urged Kenyan journalists to take advantage of Mixed Zone interviews to churn out quality content from star athletes.

The Mixed Zone offers athletes an opportunity to meet up with media personalities for quick quotes or sound bites from elated stars who have just won medals or the unlucky non-podium competitors who are left to rue their luck and dream for another day.

_{Photo journalist Stafford Ondego trains scribes in Nairobi on Friday during AK/SJAK Media Seminar ahead Saturday’s Absa Kip Keino Classic. PHOTO/ SJAK}

Cornelia told sports journalists in Nairobi: “Journalists should take advantage of the Mixed Zone interviews to savor first-hand experience from athletes after victory.”

“We try to educate athletes on the dynamics of interviews; and emphasize the fact that they have an obligation to interact with fans and make them know that it’s part of their job to take media interviews.”

She added: “Just the other day, Kenyan athlete (Ferdinand) Omanyala underscored the significance of athletes passing through the mixed zone at the end of a race, saying that every athlete has an obligation to interact with fans.”

During the training workshop, Cornelia also highlighted the dos and don’ts of WA Media Facilities which also entail the Media Centre, Media Tribune, Press Conference Room, Photo Positions (Head-on Positions, Infield positions and Outfield Positions) and Media Restaurant /Lounge.

_{World Athletics (WA) Press Liaison Delegate Cornelia Shmid trains journalists in Nairobi on Friday during AK/SJAK Media Seminar ahead Saturday’s Absa Kip Keino Classic. PHOTO/ SJAK}

Cornelia : “Journalists are prohibited from taking selfies and autographs at the mixed zones, because they are professionals, and the trend holds up the process and athletes from recovery; when they’re supposed to go back to the changing room,” said Cornelia.

The team behind the World Athletics international media in Nairobi has the Head of Media Operations, Media Operations Senior Manager, Media Services Coordinator, Photo Operations Specialists, Press Liaison Delegates and News Services/Flash Interviews.

The local media team at Kip Keino Classic entails the Head of Media Operations, Media Chief, Photo Chief, Media areas managers among others.

“The Media Operations Team is responsible for the planning, management of the media areas, and tailored services to ensure that media can cover the event and all elite athletes,” said Cornelia.

_{World Athletics (WA) Press Liaison Delegate Cornelia Shmid in Nairobi on Friday during AK/SJAK Media Seminar ahead Saturday’s Absa Kip Keino Classic. PHOTO/ SJAK}

The media workshop, organized by Sports Journalists Association in conjunction with Athletics Kenya (AK), was also graced by living legend Kipchoge Keino who acknowledged the role of media; as a link between athletes and fans.

“The seminar is important for the sport as media personalities have an opportunity to learn the dynamics of the sports. Talent abounds in Kenya, and there is a need to build facilities in all areas of the country and the media plays an integral role in this initiative,” said Keino, who the weekend event is named after.