PRESS RELEASE

PMA Trainer Grant: Advancing Investigative Journalism in Belize

5 May 2026
The first project funded by the 2026 PMA Trainer Grant took place in Belize last week.   
Investigative journalism training in Belize. Credit: Greater Belize Media.

Journalists and media workers in Belize have received training in investigative journalism as part of the first Trainer Grant project, run by PMA. Over two days, the workshop supported professional development at Greater Belize Media through a training programme led by journalist, educator and managing editor at the Investigative Journalism Foundation, Cecil Rosner.

The Trainer Grants are part of PMA’s Global Grants initiative, supported by the Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund.

Delivered in-person, this course introduced advanced open‑source intelligence techniques, methods for locating and analysing public records, responsible use of AI tools, and effective interviewing and storytelling approaches. Legal and ethical considerations are also explored, with a focus on practical application in Belize’s media environment. 

With more than 40 years of experience across print, broadcast and digital journalism, Rosner brings award-winning investigative expertise and long‑standing teaching experience to the sessions.  

The training supports reporters, digital teams and newsroom managers, strengthening investigative capacity across the organisation and reinforcing Greater Belize Media’s role in delivering rigorous, accountable journalism to the Belizean public. It took place on 1-2 May 2026. 

“Audiences globally are demanding more of their local newsrooms, not just answers from those in power, but the fuller picture: the context, the consequences, and the impact and relevance of each story on their lives. Belizeans are no different.

“Greater Belize Media’s One Newsroom, the integrated team behind News 5 television and digital news platforms, is training for two days with Cecil Rosner, one of Canada’s most accomplished investigative journalists.

“This training, made possible through our PMA membership, equips us to meet our audience’s demands with stronger investigative craft and, most importantly, to keep doing the work Belizeans depend on us to do.”

– Marleni Cuellar CEO, Great Belize Productions Ltd

Headshot of Isani

“As a News Editor at Greater Belize Media, the investigative reporting training supported through the Public Media Alliance comes at a critical time for our newsroom and the wider media community in Belize. The program strengthens our capacity to dig deeper, ask tougher questions, and follow stories beyond the surface, journalistic skills that are essential in holding power to account and serving the public interest. 

“Through this training, participants gain practical tools in research, data verification, source development, and ethical investigative methods. It also responds directly to newsroom needs, including limited resources, time pressures, and the growing demand for accurate, in-depth journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape. 

The benefits extend beyond individual journalists. The Trainer Grant allows knowledge to be shared and multiplied across newsrooms, building long-term institutional strength. With support from the Public Media Alliance, Greater Belize Media’s News 5 is better equipped to produce impactful investigations, rebuild public trust in media, and mentor the next generation of reporters. This partnership is an investment in stronger journalism and a more informed Belizean society.”

– Isani Cayetano, News Editor, Greater Belize Media

About the Trainer Grant:

The Trainer Grant scheme is part of the Public Media Alliance’s wider Global Grants initiative, generously supported by the Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust. To learn more about the full range of supported projects and meet this year’s successful grantees, please see here. 

The second Trainer Grant will be announced soon.

For more information, please contact Yusra Malik, Communications Officer: yusra@publicmediaalliance.org
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