New Centre for Community Journalism launched
Thursday, January 17, 2012
Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies has used its unique fusion of journalism research and practice to launch its new Centre for Community Journalism.
The Centre will develop a network of hyperlocal and community journalism through research, training and the creation of a national network of hyperlocal communities.
The Centre was launched during the School’s Community Journalism Conference which examined evidence and tools for the effective development of community news hubs.
The Conference was attended by a broad collection of national media organisations, professional journalists and a range of hyperlocal and start-up journalists who were eager to learn what community journalism could mean for them.
The Centre for Community Journalism began its research in 2012 by leading a major hyperlocal news research project, funded by the AHRC. This work will allow the Centre to map the world of hyperlocal journalism and understand what’s happening across Wales and beyond, and in turn to turn insights from this research to a more practical purpose so that the Centre can become a focal point for sharing and disseminating advice and resources about best practice in the field.
J-Lab's Jan Schaffer, discussed key factors in making local news hubs successful
Through research and networking the Centre will build a library of useful resources for community journalists on its website www.communityjournalism.co.uk
A range of training courses will also be provided to support and train community journalists in the range of skills they will need to work effectively. These will include: news gathering techniques; awareness of legal and ethical frameworks; using digital platforms and social media; and developing community and content strategies.
A key goal for the Centre will be help steer the field of local journalism towards a sustainable and innovative future, paving the way for the creation of jobs and informing the development of digital journalism.
Sara Moseley, who leads the new Centre said: “The Centre for Community Journalism is one of a kind. There’s currently nowhere in the world that unites both research with training to shape the emerging field of community and hyperlocal journalism. It’s been a difficult time for journalism and the media recently, with the decline of local news outlets and the issues arising around media ethics. The industry has fundamentally changed. This new Centre inform a more positive and sustainable future.”
Speakers at the conference included Jan Schaffer, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who leads J-Lab, one of America’s most successful incubators for news entrepreneurs, Damian Radcliffe,Internet & Society Manager @ictQATAR, the Welsh Government's Minister for Education and Skills Leighton Andrews AM and Director of the Media Standards Trust, Martin Moore.
Related Links
Centre for Community Journalism
Cardiff University sets up local news training centre (BBC Wales)
New research puts spotlight on hyperlocal journalism (Journalism.co.uk)