Dan Gillmor’s Post

Big news and important work coming up from one of the leading lights in journalism and digital media. I can't wait to hear more from Dan about his next phase, toward saving democracy and freedom of expression!

Gillmor writes in part, "The status quo in political (and related) coverage consists of sporadically noting that gosh-maybe-there’s-a-problem, while sticking mostly to journalistic business as usual. The status quo is journalistic malpractice." We see "gosh-maybe-there's-a-problem" treatment in news coverage of trafficking all the time, though we've described it in slightly different words. It's a kind of wide-eyed, "hey, can you believe there's trafficking going on in this city/town" treatment on repeat. Yes, there is trafficking here, there, everywhere. Better reporting tells audiences what it looks like, what's being done to combat it and by whom/what groups, to what effect, as an example. If you find yourself writing the former kind of story, go deeper. It's not an understatement to say that substantive reporting on human trafficking is a contribution toward the health of a democracy.

Understanding the connection between media and democracy is key for journalism students and has never been more important, but many smaller schools struggle to support even basic journalism instruction, let alone robust lessons that incorporate a focus on democracy. A new curriculum offered by Montclair State University, The Democracy Infusion Project, offers a full collection of resources for educators looking to expand their course learning goals and objectives. Learn more: https://ow.ly/VSzz50UnOhZ.

Coming soon: JWF Media and Journalism Webinars! We’re excited to launch our certificate program designed specifically for 40-50 journalism students and emerging professionals eager to drive social change. This platform will enhance your understanding of pluralistic media roles, tackle current challenges in the industry, share best practices, and foster partnerships to protect media integrity. Stay tuned for more details on how you can join and make an impact through powerful storytelling on vital social, economic, political, and environmental issues! More information coming soon. #MediaForChange #journalismwebinars2024

Know about indy investigative journalists Project Censored? They are currently publishing insightful content on fake news, offering tools and resources to help identify news biases. Check out this informative piece on news frames here: https://lnkd.in/gnwc8ren #InvestigativeJournalism #FakeNews #NewsBias

The Hearst Foundations have awarded a $250,000 grant to Syracuse University’s Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship (IDJC), a partnership initiative of the Newhouse School and the Maxwell School. The grant will support the mission of the IDJC, which engages in nonpartisan research, teaching and public dialogue aimed at strengthening trust in news media, governance and society. Read more:

PROTECT LOCAL MEDIA, PRESERVE COMMUNITY POWER ⚠️  In a world where independent journalism is under threat, our campaign aims to raise awareness about the critical role of local media and the urgent need for policy change. Through thought-provoking articles, engaging social media posts, and powerful slogans like "Where did all the jobs go? You asked too late." "How will you know if it's true?" and "Who will investigate for you?" we highlight the real-life consequences of losing local media. Our campaign emphasises the invaluable contributions of local journalists, the importance of diverse representation in the media, and the essential role local media plays in fostering transparency, accountability, cohesion and informed civic participation. By uniting communities, universities, students, and businesses in the fight to safeguard local media, we aim to ignite a collective effort to advocate for policy reforms that support the sustainability and vitality of independent journalism. Together, let's protect local media and preserve our collective voice. https://buff.ly/3y1IhBY

SUNY Oswego is proud to be a founding participant in SUNY’s new Institute for Local News, a groundbreaking program addressing news deserts and supporting local journalism. Through this initiative, our students gain hands-on experience working with outlets like The Palladium-Times, covering vital community stories. Associate Professor Eileen Gilligan, one of 14 faculty champions statewide, is leading the effort to connect classroom learning with real-world impact. Together, we’re building stronger communities while preparing the next generation of journalists. Learn more about this innovative program and its impact on local news: https://ow.ly/VhXI50UrYR0 #Journalism #LocalNews #ExperientialLearning

Transforming the future of local news isn't just about adapting to change; it's about seizing the opportunity to reimagine what's possible. The Beyond Print Toolkit from Lenfest Institute for Journalism & American Press Institute offers a step-by-step guide to help newspapers transition from print to digital, ensuring long-term sustainability while continuing to serve their communities with impactful journalism. Check it out to find strategies, case studies, and practical tips tailored to meet the needs of today's evolving media landscape. https://lnkd.in/eGBzYTiC

📢 Announcing our new lesson collection: Media Literacy and Journalism! Foster critical thinking about producing media, consuming media, and sharing media. The lessons are based on award-winning films films like Crip Camp, Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down, Navalny and The Post. These resources are great for teaching Digital Literacy, Media Literacy, Journalism, and Social Studies classes. For grades 6-12. Looking for something special to teach for US Media Literacy Week October21-25 or Global Media and Information Literacy Week October 21-31? We've got you covered this month and all year long. Topics include Censorship, Ethics, Fake News, Freedom of the Press, Media Analysis, Media Responsibility, POV, Politics of Production, Propaganda, Representation, and Social Media, plus additional resources for teaching Film Literacy. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gPuvuqMq #MediaLiteracy #Journalism #Education #Teachers #Teaching