Join Industry Experts Live for Online Journalism Course

The University of Lincoln, UK, has joined forces with the Thomson Reuters Foundation to produce a one-day masterclass in human rights reporting. Journalists and communications professionals can learn the skills which have made Thomson Reuters the world’s oldest and most trusted source of news, informing professionals, policymakers and ordinary people all over the world.

This live online course, Reporting Human Rights, will take place on 11 February 2021, and will focus on how journalists cover human rights issues in the context of the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles – independence, integrity, and freedom from bias in the gathering and dissemination of information and news.

The course has been designed to support the professional development of people who work in news and media agencies, NGOs, charities, marketing and communications organisations, as well as those engaged with public services, who may need to understand the role of reporting human rights.

This short course has been made possible by the innovative partnership between the University and the Thomson Reuters Foundation, and follows the creation of a specialist Master’s degree programme. The MA International Journalism is designed to equip new generations of journalists to report impartially on critical global issues facing society today.

Applications to join the course in 2021 are open now. Antonio Zappulla, CEO of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, said: “Free and independent media is the cornerstone of democracy. There has never been a greater need for the Foundation’s focus on promoting world-class, impartial, trusted news that puts human lives at the centre of the story. We are proud to partner with the University of Lincoln to equip more journalists with the skills they need to ensure the continued flow of unbiased information to the public globally.”

Professor Jason Whittaker, Head of the School of English and Journalism at the University of Lincoln, said: “In an era of fake news, there is a vital place for the calibre of informed and unbiased journalism that Reuters is known for.”

Journalists all over the world are finding themselves on the frontline in the fight against misinformation, discrimination, and authoritarianism, as COVID-19 has provided an opportunity for human rights’ abuses to be presented as public protection. This short course will focus in particular on the reporting of human rights in relation to LGBTQ+, women’s and migrants rights.

The fee for Reporting Human Rights is £360. Upon successful completion, candidates will receive certification of their achievement. For full details and to book your place, please visit the University’s website.

Ends