Journalism Weekend
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU MADE THE PAPERS?
16th-17th October and repeated 27th-28th November 2010 • University of London Union
During the weekend students will explore the inner workings of the British media, sharpen their writing skills and produce an edition of their own daily newspaper. Participants will also have the chance to listen to experienced journalists share their experience of the industry.
Power, Politics and the Press
Understanding the power of the media and the role of journalists in a democratic country: can The Sun really swing an election? How do proprietors, advertisers, and activitists shape the news? How do politicians and parties get favourable coverage, and what lengths will they go to keep stories in, or out, of the papers?
Making the News
This session takes you behind the scenes to explore the process by which an event becomes a news story. We will examine the roles of: reporters • commentators • editors • freelancers • news agencies • public relations • press conferences and interviews.
Getting your voice heard
Magazine editor and broadcaster Willard Foxton – After his father committed suicide, having lost the family’s money to billionaire American fraudster Bernard Madoff’s notorious financial scam, Willard Foxton was determined to tell his story. Willard will talk about how he set out to uncover the truth about Madoff and his victims, made sure the story appeared in all the major British newspapers, and made a documentary for the BBC.
The media and the law
What happens when free speech threatens the privacy of individuals or the security of the nation? It is not always easy for journalists to stay on the right side of the law. In this session we look at where the lines are, and should be drawn, covering libel laws, the Official Secrets Act and the emerging right to privacy for celebrities and politicians.
Writing for your audience
Effective journalistic writing is a fine art. We will discuss writing for different audiences, using and avoiding bias, persuasive language, and the different stylistic features of tablids and broadsheets. The session includes practical exercises based around the interpretation of vintage newsclips using different styles and perspectives.
The Newspaper Game
In teams, you take charge of a national newspaper. Together you must edit, write and illustrate an edition of a tabloid or broadsheet paper in response to live press conferences, exclusive interviews and other news items.
Dates:
16th – 17th October 2010
The Journalism Weekend will take place at the University of London Union from 10:30 am to 4:30pm on each day.
BOOK A PLACE
The fee for the Journalism Weekend is £140 per student. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries for students who would otherwise have difficulty attending. To book a place please email info@debatechamber.com, call 0845 519 4827 or fill out the form below.