Storytelling... media style

Caxton Professor of Journalism and Media Studies, Anton Harber, says: "We do plenty of talking about what is wrong with journalism. This conference is different because it engages working professionals in tangible ideas about how to develop and improve their work. It is all about storytelling, and that goes to the heart of good journalism - and something we are keen to promote in our programme."

Nieman Society of Southern Africa committee chairperson, Charlotte Bauer, says: "Narrative journalism is not the only kind of reporting to be sure. But when a good story could be a great story by conveying not just a fair and accurate sense of itself but also the agendas, actions and emotions of its subjects, narrative journalism is a most satisfying genre."

Narrative journalism requires factual reporting according to strict rules of journalism ethics. But the account is presented in a narrative way, with scenes, characters, dialogues, a 'voice' and even some sort of resolution. It is a very useful tool to help readers understand complex issues such as the impact of a law, globalisation, or policy implementation.

"South African journalists grapple with complex issues on a daily basis. By bringing the Narrative Journalism Conference to Johannesburg we hope to provide a forum for critical thinking, debate and learning for senior reporters and editors," says conference organiser and 2000/01 Nieman Fellow, Paula Fray.

The Narrative Journalism Conference, scheduled for June 13 - 14, 2005 at Wits University will host key international and local speakers. Registration fee is R1 400. There is a reduced registration fee of R400 for registered students and freelance reporters. A 10% discount is offered for companies booking 10 or more participants.

For more information and bookings contact Mammuso Makhanya at 083 658 0469 or Debby Kramer 082 926 7916/ 011 888 3542. For more information on Narrative Journalism, go to http://www.nieman.harvard.edu/narrative/.