New online workshop to give journalists tools for effectively using Telegram for reporting

As a journalist, you’re probably aware that Telegram is emerging as a key tool for real-time content when covering breaking news, conflict zones, or social movements. With over 900 million active users, this cloud-based messaging platform serves as a primary source for firsthand footage, eyewitness reports, and live commentary—content that often doesn’t reach mainstream social media. For reporters, Telegram offers access to unique perspectives and unfiltered content, providing a new way to enhance stories. 

As the role of this app in global reporting grows, it’s essential for journalists to learn how to navigate and take advantage of this platform. To support this goal, the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas is offering a new workshop, “Digging into Telegram: Investigative Techniques for Journalists,” on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 12 pm CT/1:00 pm ET. Register for this 90-minute workshop for just $40. 

This low-cost, online workshop, led by award-winning freelance reporter Jane Lytvynenko—an expert in visual and digital investigations currently focused on Russia’s war against Ukraine—is designed to help reporters navigate Telegram’s structure, locate critical information, and leverage third-party tools to enhance research and reporting.

During this interactive workshop, attendees will explore the following key topics:

• Understanding Telegram’s structure: Learn about the unique features of Telegram’s mobile and desktop versions and how to use them effectively for reporting.
• Locating critical information: Discover advanced search techniques to find credible Telegram channels, metadata extraction from media, and how to download and analyze channel histories.
• Taking advantage of third-party tools: Get introduced to powerful tools like Telemetr, TGStat, and Telepathy that can help you analyze channel analytics, map relationships between channels, and identify popular content.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll be equipped with practical skills to gather information on Telegram. This hands-on session with Jane Lytvynenko provides an invaluable opportunity to learn directly from her, ask questions, and engage throughout. The workshop will be especially beneficial for reporting during breaking news, covering conflict zones or high-stakes situations, monitoring communities that rely on Telegram for communication, and enhancing fact-checking practices.

The $40 fee grants participants a certificate of completion and access to a recording of the workshop, enabling them to revisit the material at any time.

This workshop is just the beginning. On December 3, we’ll also host a session with Craig Silverman, where we’ll look at the year’s most useful new and updated digital tools for journalists. Together, these two workshops will prepare you for our upcoming advanced course, “New Digital Investigative Techniques to Supercharge Your Reporting,” running from Jan. 13-Feb. 9, 2025, and led by Craig Silverman and Jane Lytvynenko. Additional details and registration information for both coming soon.

Register today to secure your place in this essential Telegram workshop and empower your reporting with the tools to navigate this crucial platform effectively.