#icfj

Women journalists threatened with death, sexual, physical violence on duty

A research jointly conducted by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ) has revealed that women journalists experience continuous online violence in the course of their work. The findings of the survey were discussed during a session entitled ‘Online violence: The New Front Line for Women Journalists –…

Data Journalism in Sierra Leone

MSF giving a mapping training at dbootcamp freetown. Last week , I was fortunate to be at the Data Literacy Bootcamp at Sensi Tech Hub in Freetown. This was the first ever data bootcamp held in Sierra Leone,thanks to IDT Labs, CodeforAfrica and Sensi Innovation Labs. Many journalists attended and sadly I could only be there for one day  ,but I’m happy I went. I think this is a welcome start in…

New Post has been published on http://autoinsurance.media/the-new-york-times-rukmini-callimachi-to-receive-the-icfj-integrity-in-journalism-award-in-partnership-with-the-aurora-prize/amp/

The New York Times' Rukmini Callimachi to receive the ICFJ Integrity in Journalism Award in partnership with the Aurora Prize

“Callimachi’s reporting is a shining example of the power of journalism to bring to the world’s attention unthinkable abuses,” said ICFJ President Joyce Barnathan. “Her work provides hope that the victims will be heard and protected.”

Callimachi has exposed the horrific institutionalization of sex slavery by ISIS, linked child labor in gold mines in Senegal to banks in Switzerland, and revealed massacres committed by government forces from the Ivory Coast to Mali. At a time when risks to journalists are at an all-time high, Callimachi is driven by a deep-seated motivation to tell these stories.

“As a journalist, I don’t think that you ever make a concerted decision to put yourself at risk; you are doing your job,” Callimachi said. “The reward is that journalism is like a flashlight, which beams a pool of light on an issue, a crime, a government abuse or another atrocity. I am deeply honored, and humbled to receive this award and I hope that in some small way, my work can illuminate the darkest corners of the world.”

The Integrity in Journalism Award arose from a partnership between ICFJ and 100 LIVES, a pioneering global initiative rooted in the Armenian Genocide that seeks to share remarkable stories of survivors and their saviors, as well as celebrate the strength of the human spirit. 100 LIVES and the Aurora Prize were established to express gratitude to those who put themselves at risk to save Armenians from the genocide one hundred years ago.

“Journalism is one of the strongest tools to illuminate and alleviate human suffering,” said Ruben Vardanyan, co-founder of 100 LIVES and the Aurora Prize. “Ms. Callimachi’s commitment to exposing the atrocious crimes against humanity is truly exemplary. We are proud to be able to honor journalists whose sustained commitment and coverage inspire others to act and intervene.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

About 100 LIVES 100 LIVES is a new global initiative rooted in the events of the Armenian Genocide, during which 1.5 million Armenians perished. The fortunate few were saved by the courageous and heroic acts of individuals and institutions. A century later, 100 LIVES seeks to express gratitude, to share remarkable stories of survivors and their saviors, and to celebrate the strength of the human spirit.

100 LIVES is an initiative of the IDeA Foundation (Initiatives for Development of Armenia), a charitable foundation committed to promoting socioeconomic development in Armenia through investments in long-term, non-profit projects.

About the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity Recipients will be recognized for the exceptional impact their actions have made on preserving human life and advancing humanitarian causes. On behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, an Aurora Prize Laureate will be honored each year with a US$ 100,000 grant as well as the unique opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by nominating organizations that inspired their work for a US$ 1,000,000 award.

The Aurora Prize Selection Committee includes Nobel Laureates Elie Wiesel, Oscar Arias, Shirin Ebadi and Leymah Gbowee; former President of Ireland Mary Robinson; human rights activist Hina Jilani; former Australian Foreign Minister and President Emeritus of the International Crisis Group Gareth Evans; President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York Vartan Gregorian; and Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian George Clooney. The Aurora Prize will be awarded annually on April 24 in Yerevan, Armenia. Further information is available at www.auroraprize.com.

Media contact information: [email protected]  Photography and videos for media use: www.AuroraPrizeMedia.com

About the International Center for Journalists

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) is at the forefront of the news revolution with programs that empower journalists and engage citizens with new technologies and best practices. ICFJ’s networks of reporters and media entrepreneurs are transforming the field. We believe that better journalism leads to better lives.

For more information, go to www.icfj.org or contact Maite Fernandez, Communications Director, at 202-349-7636 or [email protected].

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-new-york-times-rukmini-callimachi-to-receive-the-icfj-integrity-in-journalism-award-in-partnership-with-the-aurora-prize-300256314.html

SOURCE International Center for Journalists

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What goes into a tweet?

There’s a surprising amount you can do within the constraints of Twitter’s famous 140-character limit — especially if you’re a journalist.

Yet for all of Twitter’s advantages, there are plenty of potential pitfalls that can negatively impact your online reputation. Twitter, for example, can make you complacent in finding sources and stories; it can also proliferate inaccurate information.

In a recent webinar, ICFJ Knight Fellows Chris Roper and Raymond Joseph discussed some of the ways in which journalists can use Twitter to their advantage and avoid these pitfalls:

Follow the three A’s

According to Roper, journalists who are just beginning to navigate the social space should follow the three A’s of Twitter — authority, attribution and authenticity.

“Authenticity is perhaps the most important to me,” he said. “When you are sourcing material on Twitter, you have to make sure people know who you are. Include your name and company name when you’re asking questions.”

Even more essential than making yourself known is being aware that you’re part of a community when you’re on Twitter — and if you aren’t authentic within this community, you won’t get the kind of information you need for your story. Twitter is a public platform; the things you tweet don’t exist in a vacuum.

Secondly, attribute sources properly, Roper said. Be careful not to change your sources’ words when quoting a tweet in a story; make only minor grammatical edits if needed. Authority ties in to authenticity — if you don’t display that you’re an authority or thought leader on Twitter, you might not be as credible to potential sources.

Know where to search

When a story breaks on social media, do you know how to find the right accounts or hashtags to follow?

Joseph said there are a few different tools you can use to stay on the pulse of breaking stories with Twitter. In addition to Twitter’s own search function, you can use third-party tools like Topsy to comb through Twitter’s vast expanse. Additionally, the Knight Lab’s twXplorer tool can be a vital resource. This tool, which works in 12 different languages, allows you to find tweets surrounding breaking and developing stories in a fraction of the time.

Don’t forget to fact check

As stated before, Twitter makes it easier than ever for people to spread false or inaccurate information. As a result, journalists need to be fact checking and verifying everything they tweet — no exceptions.

“There's no excuse for retweeting something you didn't read first,” Joseph said.

There are a number of different ways you can verify information and images before tweeting them. In many cases, simply reading the article to which a tweet links can be enough to verify the tweet’s claim, as Joseph said. To read more about verifying and fact-checking social media content, click here.

Remember: online journalism is still journalism

Perhaps most importantly, Roper stressed that journalists need to treat the work they do in the digital space like the work they would do anywhere else. Increasingly, social media is seen as an extension of traditional journalism; as a result, journalists must treat their social media accounts as a reflection of their professionalism and journalistic integrity.

“There is no fundamental difference between online journalism, of which social media is a subset, and traditional journalism,” he said. “All the same rules and principles apply."

Click here to watch the full webinar, which features even more tips and guidance on using Twitter to augment your reporting.

-Sam, IJNet social media and editorial intern

'Salama' App Aims to Keep Journalists Safe | ICFJ - International Center for Journalists

Creator Jorge Luis Sierra explains how the app works:

Salama was inspired by years of observation of journalists who were attacked because, among other reasons, they covered sensitive stories in risky areas without the adoption of security protocols. This app helps journalists and bloggers assess their risk level by asking the user a series of questions about their security. Depending on their answers, they are rated on a scale of 20 to 100 – 20 indicating low risk and 100 meaning their risk level is extremely high.

It’s a balmy night on the outskirts of Kolkata, and Sudipta Das is standing in a crowded plaza wearing a black sweater and a rakish scarf. Earlier this evening, Das, 20, told his mother that he’s meeting a study group. But instead, he has snuck out to meet up with friends.

Like most young Indians, Das loves Lady Gaga and Harry Potter, dreams of attending college abroad and can name-drop Manhattan landmarks, which he knows from watching Sex and the City. Yet  Das—a tall stylish man with soft features—is living a secret life that most Indians wouldn’t consider “normal.”

Das is gay and hiding it, fearing rejection, discrimination and violence.

“I feel very sad,” Das says. “India is saying love is a crime.”