Now on J-Source: How to handle criticism; WikiLeaks; Adbusters controversy

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Canadian Journalism Foundation

Nov 10, 2010, 12:26 ET

TORONTO, Nov. 10 /CNW/ -

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM
WikiLeaks: transparency or treason?
The recent WikiLeaks release of more than 400,000 documents relating to the war in Iraq has focused unprecedented attention on the practice of whistleblowing, Cecil Rosner reports. It has also divided journalists themselves on whether the site is promoting transparency or treason. 
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FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Adbusters, ghettos and Shoppers: anti-semitism or free speech?
The October issue of Adbusters juxtaposed photos of the Warsaw Ghetto with photos of Gaza. The Canadian Jewish Congress accused the magazine of anti-semitism, and now Shoppers Drug Mart has pulled it from its shelves. Did the magazine cross a line? Grant Buckler reports.
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STUDENTS' LOUNGE
How to handle criticism: tips from a pro
The first requirement of being a good journalist? Thick skin. Don McCurdy, the new executive director of the Ontario Press Council, has tips on how to grow one. Meanwhile, Brian Gabrial offers McCurdy some constructive criticism -- we know he can handle it.
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INNOVATION
J-students go hyperlocal with smartphones
Armed with smartphones to research, interview and write, Wayne MacPhail's j-students tackle street-level journalism while learning to file from the field.
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THE BIG ISSUE

Mayors in a snit present a challenge
If you think you have problems dealing with the politicians on the Hill, try City Hall for a day. Dealing with mayors who won't cooperate with journalists is part of the beat. Reveal uncomfortable facts, and you stand accused of being 'too negative,' tantamount to high treason in most cities. (Witness the ongoing war of words between Maclean's and Regina mayor Pat 'It's-Not-That-Bad' Fiacco.) On the other hand, you can end up accused of being in bed with the mayor. The easy road is to just focus on the hair, although mayoral hairstyle coverage also gets critiqued (and rightly so).

Indeed in the fishbowl of city politics, there's no worse piranha than a scorned mayor. But, as this reporter discovered, just stay focused and keep your line in the water - the stories will bite.

EVENTS CALENDAR

IN THE NEWS

Pay your writers, or else! Signed: the internet
Data crunch reveals untold stories of WW2's fallen
An open letter to the Ontario Press Council's new boss
CJFE concerned over reports of kidnapped Vancouver freelancer's death
Associated Press' multi-million digital overhaul
Never mind WikiLeaks, France turns "anti-leak"
How social media is shakin' up journalism: Ottawa event
BBC news blackouts as journalists strike over pensions
Transform tweets into daily paper
CBC Radio launches iPad app
Transformation at CBC Radio 3: live streamed
Political journalist Don Hoyt passes away
Canadian Newsstand Award winners
The BBC's new linking guidelines
Gemini winners for news and documentaries
University newspaper wins Pacemaker (the j-student Pulitzer)
New website and mobile app searches all Canadian dailies
Facebook, free speech, high school: how far is too far?
News Corp.'s paywalls drive away 90% of traffic 
TOWN HALL

"So Rob Ford says he has returned about 200,000 phonecalls from constituents in his 10 years as a city councillor. That's an average of 20,000 phonecalls a year -- or 55 a day if we consider he works his butt off to serve the people seven days a week. I find this a streeetch. And I find we too often accept such things at face value. Let`s put more numbers to the test ... and then let`s go back to the likes of Ford for further explanation on precisely how he achieves such heroic feats."  

Reader Comment: Don Gibb
Post: Mayors who won't co-operate with journalists  

"Good to hear domestic journalists talking about how they feel about witnessing horror. Having covered Pickton, Air India and countless other murder cases, I no longer buy the compartmentalization argument I used for so long. I thought I could do that but the fact remains the compartment is within the main casing of my mind and leakage occurs. Compartmentalization damaged me. Best to deal with it. If the company you work for won't help or you feel you can't ask for help there for whatever reason as was my case at one major daily, seek it elsewhere. The life you save could be your own. And, if any editors are reading this, please help your domestic reporters covering horror, car crashes, children's deaths etc. Your staff are your most important resource. Please do not make the mistake of thinking trauma only affects those you send into war zones. Your cop desk is in a war zone."

Reader Comment: Claude Adams
Post: How to live-report depravity and move on with your life

Coming up at CJF FORUMS...  

What's Next for Broadcast News?
with Mark Lukasiewicz and Mark Starowicz
November 16, 6:30 p.m.
Toronto
FULL DETAILS

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