Press Forward co-founder Lara Setrakian leads conversation on newsroom culture

TORONTO, May 10, 2018 /CNW/ - Press Forward co-founder Lara Setrakian reveals how the recently-established organization is looking to improve newsroom culture for women and men in the wake of media-industry sexual harassment allegations?including her own against fellow journalist Mark Halperin while at ABC News. "Fixing Newsroom Culture" takes place on May 24 in Toronto and is presented by The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) in partnership with RTDNA Canada.

"For every woman like Lara who courageously sounded alarm bells on toxic newsroom culture, there are countless journalists who sit silent," says Farah Nasser, anchor of Global News at 5:30 & 6, who will moderate the discussion. "Some ? from interns to execs ? will even tell you they left the business they loved because of an unhealthy power dynamic. We may cover #MeToo on the news, but we really need to be discussing how certain behaviours are still accepted as newsroom norms."  

A former Middle East correspondent, Setrakian is also co-founder, CEO and executive editor of News Deeply, a digital media company that creates news platforms and builds communities around single issues. Her team's inaugural site, Syria Deeply, launched in 2012, won the Excellence in Online Journalism Award from the National Press Foundation. The team went on to launch several other sites: Ebola Deeply, Water Deeply, Arctic Deeply, Refugees Deeply and the Women & Girls Hub. The model is now expanding further to cover topics in environment, public health, geopolitics and social impact.

What gets an innovator like Setrakian onto Inc. magazine's "8 Women Who Can Own the Future" list? What new insights does she have since her TED Talk on "3 ways to fix a broken news industry?" In this era of #MeToo, what can be done about power dynamics in the workplace? Setrakian will discuss these and related questions at the event.

This discussion is part of the annual J-Talks series, which explores pressing media issues.

The CJF thanks the generosity of J-Talks series sponsor BMO Financial Group, sponsors Corus, Global News, Accenture and Great Lakes Brewery, and in-kind supporter CISION.

RTDNA full-conference attendees can attend this event for free. Email [email protected] with your RTDNA ticket confirmation to register for the event. One event ticket per RTDNA conference ticket. Limited spots available. First come, first serve. 

WHEN: May 24, 2018
Doors open: 6:00 p.m., Discussion 6:30 p.m., Reception 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Corus Quay (Atrium), 25 Dockside Drive, Toronto

General admission: $25
Student tickets (ID required. Limited availability): $15
Buy tickets

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About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes excellence in journalism by celebrating outstanding journalistic achievement. Our signature events include an annual awards program featuring a must-attend annual industry gala where Canada's top newsmakers meet Canada's top news people. Through J-Talks, our popular speaker's series, we facilitate dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.

About RTDNA Canada
RTDNA Canada is the voice of broadcast and digital journalists and news managers in Canada. We believe an informed public is vital to a democratic society. Canadian Journalism's purpose is to serve the public interest. It is our responsibility to act independently, to be fair and respectful, and to report the facts. The RTDNA Canada Code of Journalistic Ethics, adopted by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, is used to measure fairness and accuracy in our profession. We welcome its adoption by all practicing journalists.

SOURCE Canadian Journalism Foundation