Canadian media experiences in Afghanistan at #CAJ14

OTTAWA, April 16, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Journalists is pleased to partner with Aga Khan Foundation Canada to present CBC journalist Mellissa Fung as a keynote speaker at #CAJ14, which runs May 9-10 at the Holiday Inn and Suites Downtown Vancouver.

Fung will discuss what role Canada should play in Afghanistan as the fledgling nation develops its own institutions during a protracted struggle for political stability. Fung returned to the fragile country last year, five years after she was kidnapped while on assignment in at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Kabul. Fung detailed her journey in a 2012 memoir, "Under an Afghan Sky".

She is scheduled to speak to delegates on Saturday, May 10, starting at 1 p.m. PT. Fung's keynote address is one of three at #CAJ14, which also include addresses from Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn At-in-chut Atleo and Bergen Record reporter Shawn Boburg. Liveblogs of all #CAJ14 sessions will be available through the CAJ website.

In session related to Fung's address later in the afternoon, The Ottawa Citizen's David Pugliese will also reflect on the Canadian experience in Afghanistan. Pugliese's session examines the intricacies of reporting from conflict zones, including embedded vs. un-embedded reporting, medical needs and insurance, transportation, safety, working with translators and dealing with military forces.

Registration for the national conference is open, and early-bird rates are available until April 25. Our rates heavily favour CAJ members, who can attend the conference and get a ticket to the conference banquet and CAJ Awards gala for $239 plus taxes. Full details on registration, including all rates, are available on the CAJ website.

The premiere event Saturday is the CAJ conference banquet and CAJ Awards gala, which honours the finest work produced by Canadian journalists across all media. A ticket to the banquet is included with most full-conference registrations. Standalone tickets are available at $45 each.

Bookmark the conference program available on the CAJ website, where new content will be added as it's confirmed in coming weeks.

The CAJ is Canada's largest national professional organization for journalists from all media, representing over 500 members across the country. The CAJ's primary roles are to provide public-interest advocacy and high-quality professional development for its members.

SOURCE: Canadian Association of Journalists

Hugo Rodrigues, CAJ president, 519-535-8680, [email protected]; Dale Bass, CAJ conference co-chair, [email protected]; Sean Holman, CAJ conference co-chair, [email protected]; Registration questions can be sent to: [email protected]; www.caj.ca | www.facebook.com/CdnAssocJournalists | www.twitter.com/CAJ