“Humanitarian Journalism Today” – Event at City, University of London

Sign up for our event launching a major new report based on four years of research on how the media report on humanitarian issues.

By HNRN Staff

Humanitarian need is at an all-time high, with ongoing crises in Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Nigeria and elsewhere. However, the news outlets that report on these issues are under huge pressures, including declining revenue, attacks from political elites, and the spectre of ‘fake news’.

This event, happening on the 15th of October at 5 pm, is about the journalists who cover humanitarian crises, and the people and forces influencing their work. It is the launch of a new report “The State of Humanitarian Journalism” by Dr Martin Scott (University of East Anglia), Kate Wright (Edinburgh University) and Mel Bunce (City, University of London). The report is based on four years of research, and it reveals:

  • Which UK news outlets actually report on humanitarian issues;
  • How do they vary in the quantity and style of reporting;
  • Which sources do they quote within news stories;
  • What do journalists, audiences, and the aid sector actually think about this journalism – and what do they want to see more of.

The event ‘Humanitarian Journalism Today’ will feature a panel of leading journalists and media commentators discussing the report’s findings as well as their own experiences reporting on humanitarian crises. The panel features:

  • Josephine Schmidt, Executive Editor at IRIN, the world’s oldest humanitarian newswire
  • James Copnall, Newsday presenter, BBC World Service News
  • Tom Law, Director of Campaigns and Communications, The Ethical Journalism Network
  • Stefanie Glinski, Freelance journalists and photographer, currently based in Afghanistan.

The panel is followed by a screening of the celebrated documentary, ‘Another News Story’ that follows journalists reporting on the 2015 ‘refugee crisis’ in Europe. Introduced by director Orban Wallace and producer Verity Wislocki.

Sign up here.

Event date: Monday, 15th October 2018

Event time: 5PM

Schedule:

  • 5-6.30: ‘The state of humanitarian journalism’ new research report and panel debate
  • 6.30 – 7pm:  Refreshment break
  • 7-8.15pm: Screening of ‘Another News Story’ (52mins) & Q and A with director Orban Wallace
  •  8:15pm: Wine and canapes

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