As Ukrainians headed to the polls on 25 May in snap elections that were commended by international observers for largely upholding democratic commitments, turmoil in eastern Ukraine saw an increase in violence against journalists. A day before the elections, Italian photojournalist Andrea Rocchelli and his Russian interpreter Andrey Mironov were killed while covering the fighting in Slavyansk, while on 25 May, separatists took two journalists hostage – Viacheslav Bondarenko and Maksym Osovsky – as they covered the elections in Luhansk region. The pair was released several days later.
Annual report from the Innovation International Media Consulting Group.
“The current regime follows this pattern: immediately before elections, they start to muzzle every critical voice,” protests Endalk Chala, a co-founder and member of the Ethiopian blogging collective called “Zone 9” – a proverbial reference to Ethiopia’s situation beyond the eight zones that divide the notorious Kaliti prison, where many journalists and political prisoners are kept behind bars.
New software and apps that allow users to reach reading speeds of 1,000 words per minute on tiny devices will soon become “the main source of reading,” according to experts. Paul McClean examines the rise of this potentially revolutionary technology.
The military junta is tightening its grip on the nation’s press following last week’s military coup in Thailand. After martial law was declared and soldiers stormed several TV stations, orders effectively stifling any free expression have been followed by the arrest or summoning of hundreds of politicians, activists and journalists.
The killing of a radio broadcaster in the Philippines has dealt another blow to wavering press freedom in the country. Samuel Oliverio was attacked on 23 May while driving his motorcycle with his wife in Digos city in the south of the country.
What does data journalism look like at a tabloid newspaper? Martin Belam, editor of at Trinity Mirror’s new offerings Ampp3d and Mirror Row Zed, is experimenting with the model. The Trinity Mirror group is Britain’s biggest newspaper company, publishing two national tabloid titles and 240 regional newspapers.
Investigative data journalist, Google consultant and Knight International Journalism Fellow, Justin Arenstein, is currently working with the African Media Initiative (AMI) to expand digital journalism experimentation in newsrooms across Africa.He spoke with WAN-IFRA research fellow, Julie Posetti, about using basic mobile technology, minimal staff and next-to-no funding to help newsrooms across Africa create life-saving data journalism.
Investigative data journalist, Google consultant and Knight International Journalism Fellow, Justin Arenstein, is currently working with the African Media Initiative (AMI) to expand digital journalism experimentation in newsrooms across Africa.
He spoke with WAN-IFRA research fellow, Julie Posetti, about using basic mobile technology, minimal staff and next-to-no funding to help newsrooms across Africa create life-saving data journalism.
The annual report from the World Editors Forum.
“If content is king, collaboration is queen.” That is posted at the top of Joanna Geary’s personal website. Certainly that belief and her digital-, engagement- and community-oriented background helped to land Geary her current position at Twitter UK where she is responsible for News Partnerships.
In the wake of intense global pressure, the Turkish government has released several of its imprisoned journalists in recent weeks. Among those freed is Füsun Erdoğan, arrested in 2006 and condemned to a life sentence + 300 years. Erdoğan was featured in WAN-IFRA’s “30 Days for Freedom” campaign, and her son spoke to WAN-IFRA’s Alexandra Waldhorn after his mother’s release.
A new position has been created for Aron Pilhofer as executive digital editor at the Guardian.