ICFJ conducted a series of training programs for managers and journalists of Beijing's The Economic Observer. The program focused on business management and leadership skills, and participants became acquainted with the daily operations of American media through meetings and briefings at several media organizations in the Washington, D.C., and New York City.

The management workshops focused on media management and leadership, strategy, sustainability, branding, profitability and rapid growth in a multi-media and multi-national environment. Special sessions were devoted to media marketing and sales in a competitive environment.

Participants spent one week in Washington, D.C., attending training sessions at the International Center for Journalists and meeting with management, marketing and other experts at newspapers in the region, such as The Washington Post, USA Today and The Washington Times. Experts on management and marketing topics were invited to speak to participants during the workshop.

During the second stage of the program participants traveled to New York City, where they attended a program evaluation session to discuss lessons learned and how to apply them in the conditions of their business operation in China. During this week, the groups also visited organizations such as The New York Times, the New York Stock Exchange, The New Yorker magazine, Bloomberg Business News, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes Magazine, as well as other institutions and media organizations of interest.

The program dates were June 11-22, 2005 and Sept. 25-Oct. 5, 2005. The lead ICFJ trainer for this program was Michelle Foster, a media management expert with broad experience in international media training and consulting.