The world’s most promising young journalists are gathering in Edinburgh for Future News Worldwide 2018, an international conference being held at the Scottish Parliament. 100 aspiring reporters from 50 countries are taking part, having been selected from 2,500 applicants worldwide.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Carrie Gracie, BBC News presenter and former BBC China Editor
- Alessandra Galloni, Reuters Global News Editor
- Catherine Gicheru, veteran Kenyan Editor and open-data champion
They will share the secrets of their success alongside senior digital media professionals such as Matt Cooke from Google News Lab, Sarah Brown from Facebook, and Yusuf Omar of Hashtag Our Stories.
Four of the conference sessions, including Carrie Gracie’s, will be streamed on Facebook Live via British Council Scotland’s page, allowing anyone in the world to take part for free.
Developed by the British Council working in partnership with several leading media organisations, Future News Worldwide identifies, connects and trains the next generation of international journalists by giving them rare access to respected international editors, broadcasters and reporters.
With the media itself increasingly the subject of news headlines, the event offers a timely opportunity to focus on the universal values of objectivity, balance and evidence that underpin the profession. Topics under the lens will include storytelling and the challenges facing journalism in the digital age.
Mark Wood, former Editor-in-Chief of Reuters and Chair of the Future News Advisory Board said: "Future News Worldwide 2018 is a unique event which gives young journalists from around the world the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the most outstanding media figures of our time. As well as focussing on high-quality, reliable journalism, they will take part in workshops which equip them to deal with all forms of digital communication. At a time when the demand for trustworthy news has never been greater, this conference will help plant the roots of dependable, quality journalism in countries around the world."
Future News Worldwide coincides with and offers a major international contribution to Scotland’s Year of Young People as a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for the next generation of global journalists to gather in Edinburgh to hone their skills and make new connections. This is strengthened by two Scottish media organisations, STV and The Herald, contributing to the conference through the advisory board, and five young Scottish journalists taking part as delegates.
Acting Director UK Region and Director Scotland, British Council, Jackie Killeen said: “Creating opportunities for young people in Scotland, across the UK and around the world to benefit from international and inter-cultural experiences is a core part of our work. In bringing together these promising young journalists for Future New Worldwide we are able to offer a dynamic platform for international mutual exchange, partnership and understanding. It is a privilege for us to welcome our delegates to Scotland for this exclusive chance to learn from some of the finest exponents of the profession.”
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