We find that the intensive journalism training activity largely had a null effect on students’ knowledge of practical journalistic practices, as well as ethics and gender diversity and inclusiveness, which was overall low. Student efficacy in producing high quality journalism, a secondary outcome of interest, was also unaffected – most students with and without the program exposure expressed a high degree of efficacy. Those who undertook the program did, however, express more interest in covering topics that included women and rural issues, while those who did not have the program expressed more interest in sports and entertainment (interest in youth, politics and the economy were similar in both groups). We found no differences in program effectiveness by gender or concentration within media studies. This report concludes with an assessment, informed by data, as to why there were largely null program effects. We largely rule out concerns of spillover, attrition, non-compliance, statistical power. Instead, the null effect could imply a number of issues. First, it is possible that the target population for the program was inappropriate. Second, the curriculum, as was implemented, may not have been effective in having students retain knowledge after an intensive training program. Finally, the evaluation could not assess practical implementation of skills through a comparison of radio segments produced by students.
