By Ektait Maria Xenia
Throughout THISAM 2023, we were engaged in a variety of stimulating lectures and discussions. Among them, "From Extractive to Collaborative Journalism: Building Trust for More Accountable Reporting" by Miss Aphrodite Salas, Assistant Professor at Concordia University, stood out as particularly remarkable and thought-provoking.
The lecture focused on a transformative shift in journalistic practices, underscoring the need to foster trust and collaboration with communities. In an era where public engagement is crucial, this session highlighted the shift from extractive journalism, which solely relies on communities for news, to a more inclusive and collaborative approach. By forming meaningful connections with story subjects, journalists can cultivate more empathetic and accountable reporting. This paradigm shift not only improves authenticity and accuracy in reporting but also strengthens journalism's role in fostering societal trust and cohesion. We left the lecture enriched with insights on bridging the gap between media and the public, upholding transparency, mutual respect, and responsible storytelling.
Miss Salas' approach to her documentaries exemplified her commitment to collaborative journalism and trust-building with the communities she covered. Her passion for responsible storytelling and ethical reporting was evident as she shared her field experiences, demonstrating the power of engaging with subjects beyond mere information extraction. Her dedication to transparency and empathy in journalism was a powerful reminder of the media's responsibility to give voice to the voiceless and maintain high ethical standards. Her enthusiasm for making a positive impact through her work resonated deeply and will influence my own journalistic endeavors.
This enlightening session profoundly affected my understanding of ethical journalism's responsibilities and possibilities, reigniting my passion for the field. Miss Salas' insights and expertise left a lasting impression, reminding me of the significant responsibilities journalists bear. This experience not only renewed my faith in journalism but also instilled in me a strong sense of duty to pursue truth and integrity in my future journalistic and media pursuits.
