Special Topics (390-0-31)

Topic

How to Build an Anti-Racist Newsroom

Instructors

Deborah Douglas

Meeting Info

McCormick Foundation Ctr 3127: Wed 1:00PM - 3:50PM

Overview of class

Some of the most impactful journalism comes from revealing how social, economic and political systems function in society, and who they do or don't serve. But what about the system that is the newsroom itself? How can we construct our internal structures, workflows and dialogues to cover and engage with communities in a healthy way? How to Build An Antiracist Newsroom invites you to consider the value systems and practices that shape coverage decisions and drive the narratives that undergird our laws, policies and social norms. If you had the power to build a newsroom from scratch, how would you do it? This interactive class will interrogate journalistic orthodoxy and design a newsroom that reflects today's urgent considerations.

Students will work on case studies, conduct community listening sessions, and meet industry and community leaders in a quest to build a better newsroom that is antiracist and all of the intersections of marginalization that entails. The class will emerge with a product that is reflective of what's needed to reclaim and hold our credibility in the public conversation as accountability seekers and conveners.

Registration Requirements

Pre-req: Sophomore standing

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory
No Freshmen

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Medill Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors