A veteran former US journalist and business executive recently gave Saudi reporters expert advice on how to improve their communication skills.

Anne Doyle, who was one of the first women to take up sports broadcasting in the United States, outlined various ways to ask good questions and to write a solid story.

She also described how she survived breast cancer.

The program was organized by the US Consulate in Dhahran in cooperation with the Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association (SDEA). US Consul General Joey Hood and Abdulaziz Ali Al-Turki, chairperson of the SDEA, were among those who attended the event.

Doyle was born in 1948 and worked as a sports reporter and anchor for WJBK, CBS-TV in Detroit, from 1978 to 1983.

In 1987, Doyle joined the Ford Motor Company, rising through the ranks to become director of North America communications. She retired early to form her own communications business.

She is on her first visit to Saudi Arabia and wants to learn more about the culture. She said successful journalists always prepare well before interviewing people.

Doyle said she faced discrimination 50 years ago as a woman trying to become a reporter. It took time, but things eventually changed, she said.

She said it was important for males and females to communicate on a regular basis.

Speaking to Arab News, Hood said: “I would like to thank Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Turki for hosting this program at the foundation. It is very important to have partners like the Sheikh to allow these exchanges of ideas.”

“It is extremely important for us to continue having this dialogue between American experts and Saudis in their fields.” He said that the two countries’ people should communicate regularly, not only their governments.

“Of course, the Saudi media plays an important role in changes in society. The media has an incredible responsibility and duty to report news and to report it as accurately as they can,” he said.

Regarding US visa processing for Saudi travelers, Hood said applications take time depending on the applicant, but it now takes about 10 days compared to about 30 days a few months ago.

Hood said he was thrilled that 100,000 students and their families are studying at US universities, which “indicates the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and the USA.”