Watch on demand:
Media Super and the Walkley Foundation present a discussion on freelance reporting on disasters, covering toolkits and strategies for working amid and after natural disasters like floods or bushfires.
When wild weather strikes, communities rely on quality journalism to provide vital information. If you’re on the ground as a freelancer, what do you need to know about working without power or communication networks, and how to take care of yourself and your sources at a difficult time? What are the considerations for continuing to cover affected communities on their long road to recovery? Our panel of award-winning freelance journalists will discuss:
- What should be in your disaster reporting toolkit
- Where and how to pitch your coverage
- Keeping yourself safe and best practice around trauma
- The importance of being prepared
Featuring:
- Daniel Clarke, journalist and filmmaker, Lost In The Woods / Ad Hoc Docs and 2023 Journalist of the Year (SA Media Awards)
- Natalie Grono, photojournalist & 2022 Nikon-Walkley Photo of the Year winner
- Susanna Freymark, runs independent local news site indynr.com
- Moderator: Caroline Winter, award-winning journalist and producer, PodTalk; and finalist for the 2023 June Andrews Award for Freelance Journalist of the Year
- Introduction: Jenny Farrar, Stakeholder Relationship Manager and Education Specialist, Media Super
Meet the speakers
Daniel Clarke is an award-winning journalist who began his career as a cadet at The Advertiser in 2001. Having written for most Australian News Corp publications over the years, he now works as a freelance journalist and filmmaker on Kangaroo Island and won the Freelance Category at the 2022 SA Media Awards. His work focuses on environment, rural, social justice and personal profile stories. In 2022 he was awarded a major grant from The Walkley Foundation to make a feature documentary about the Kangaroo Island timber plantations saga that has split the community. The film will premiere on Foxtel and Binge in mid-August.
Susanna Freymark has been a journalist for 20 years. She has worked for APN, News Corp, been a freelancer and now runs an independent news site covering local, rural news at indynr.com. She covered the 2019 bushfires in places such as Rappville where 15 homes were lost. Susanna thought this would be the biggest disaster event she would cover in her career. Then came the 2022 floods. Out of that intense reporting, she made the short film Tinnie Heroes. Susanna believes local journalism and the way the narrative connects people is key to rural communities thriving.
Natalie Grono is a freelance photojournalist based in Byron Bay, NSW. Natalie has a BA degree in communications, and she began her news career with the The Newcastle Herald. Natalie’s works have been recognised in many of Australia’s top photography awards, including the 2022 Walkley Award for News Photography. Today, she works for numerous publications nationally and internationally.
Caroline Winter is a passionate storyteller and an award-winning journalist, producer and presenter who prides herself on creating work that is impactful, meaningful and that brings about change. She has worked across radio and television for more than 20 years, and is now co-owner and podcast producer with PodTalk. Caroline was a finalist for the 2023 June Andrews Award for Freelance Journalist of the Year.
Resources:
Media Super Education Sessions
https://www.mediasuper.com.au/
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