On 11th February 2026, Topnotch Media Academy successfully conducted its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) annual Media Skills Competitions at Amazon Building in Mbarara City, bringing together emerging media students, lecturers, and professional journalists to evaluate practical newsroom competence. The competitions are part of the academy’s hands-on training approach designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations. Practical Media Training in Real Industry Conditions Participants competed in four professional categories: News Reporting & Anchoring Photography Videography Event Live Streaming Each category tested technical ability, storytelling, creativity, communication skills, and the use of modern production technology. Photo Credit: Namanya Franco (Student) Wide shot of all participants in the competition hall Judged by Industry Professionals The event attracted a distinguished judging panel, including: Representatives from NTV Uganda Nation Media Group – South Western Bureau Kreative Media Lecturer from Mbarara Institute of Social Development (MISD) Their presence ensured students were evaluated using real newsroom and production standards practiced in professional media houses. During the engagements, the Chief Guest, Ainebyoona Felix, Bureau Chief South-Western Region at Daily Monitor, urged journalism students to intentionally prioritize creativity and innovation in their training and practice. He noted that the modern newsroom no longer rewards routine reporting alone, but values journalists who can think beyond traditional formats, tell compelling stories, and adapt to rapidly evolving media platforms. “Journalism today demands originality. Students must train themselves to become problem-solvers, storytellers, and innovators who can package information in ways that audiences understand and trust,” he emphasized. He further encouraged learners to continuously experiment with new storytelling approaches, multimedia formats, and audience engagement techniques to remain relevant in a highly competitive digital media environment. Meanwhile, Okoodi Deo from NTV Uganda stressed the importance of mastering practical production skills, particularly proper camera handling. He advised internees that strong visual journalism begins with understanding composition, stability, lighting, and framing fundamentals that directly determine the quality of both photographs and videos. He also encouraged students to embrace technology as a core part of modern journalism. “A good journalist today must be technically empowered. Learn the equipment, understand digital tools, and use technology to deliver faster, clearer, and more impactful stories,” he guided. His remarks highlighted that effective journalism now relies on a combination of editorial judgment and technological competence for accurate and timely information delivery. Photo Credit: Mr. Okoodi Deo (Left Handside), Mr Tindiwesi Mathias (Second Left Handside), Mr. Ainebyoona Felix (In the Middle), Mr.Sankara Byaruhanga (Right Handside), Judges Panel seated and evaluating. Promoting Innovation and Digital Media Skills Judges emphasized the importance of technology and adaptability in modern journalism particularly: Digital storytelling Multi-camera production OBS live streaming workflows Visual composition Ethical reporting Students demonstrated how young journalists could produce broadcast-ready content even within limited resources when guided professionally. Winners Awarded and Recognized Outstanding participants were awarded: Medals Cash prizes Certificates The awards recognized excellence, teamwork, and professional readiness for the media industry. Photo Credit: Namanya Franco (Student) Winners given awards among include Kabogoza Peter Winner of Event Live Streaming & Videography receiving medals. Student-Produced Live Broadcast As part of the practical assessment, students independently executed a full event livestream. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/live/ngWRF01Cozs Livestream Credit: Kabogoza Peter (Internee Student) Photo Credit: Franco Namanya (Internee) Building Uganda’s Next Generation of Media Professionals The Topnotch Media Academy competitions continue to create a platform where students gain confidence, professional feedback, and exposure to industry expectations before graduation. By combining mentorship, competition, and innovation, the academy contributes to developing competent, ethical, and technologically skilled media practitioners in Uganda. Joining our next media competitions, Contact us via our email topnotchmedia05@gmail.com Tel: +256-759441021/ 789958965