The Democracy Fund is hosting its 2024 Student Journalism Conference and Job Fair in Toronto this summer from July 12 to 14.
TORONTO: The Democracy Fund (TDF) is hosting its third annual Student Journalism Conference (SJC) from July 12 - 14 at the Novotel Toronto North York.
This year, the theme revolves around the critical topics of mis/disinformation, fact-checking, and reporting on "forbidden subjects."
Successful applicants will participate in a three-day intensive program and learn the fundamentals of modern journalism, with an emphasis on digital platforms. In addition to journalistic skills, participants will learn about Canada's civil liberties challenges in 2024.
This is a unique all-expenses-paid opportunity – air travel (economy class), accommodations, and meals during the conference will be covered for all successful participants. Space is limited to up to 20 students.
Through lectures, interactive sessions and a final assignment, students will learn about the latest trends and best practices in journalism, as well as the importance of upholding journalistic integrity in the face of censorship.
A highlight of the weekend will be a special journalistic group assignment that a panel of senior journalists will grade and offer helpful, practical feedback. The winning group will go home with the grand prize.
The SJC also acts as a job fair. Students will have the chance to meet independent journalists and news outlets for future potential placements and job opportunities. TDF’s SJC has a proven track record of matching up-and-coming talent with job placements.
The lineup of guest speakers includes Ezra Levant, Andrew Lawton, Sue-Ann Levy, Sheila Gunn Reid, and several other industry-leading journalists. This year, we will also be joined by special guest Tamara Lich to participate in an interactive journalistic exercise with the students.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The conference is open to Canadians, permanent residents, and non-Canadians with valid work permits who are interested in pursuing journalism in any medium.
- Applicants can be journalism students, self-employed or freelance journalists, or working as journalists.
- Must be proficient in English.
- Vacancies are open to applicants 18 to 30 years of age.
Selection Criteria:
- Ambition and work ethic.
- Journalistic integrity.
- Would benefit personally and professionally from the conference and would be likely to make journalism a career.
- A commitment to civil liberties.
For students applying, you can find the application form here.
*Applications close at 11:59 PM ET on April 30, 2024.
Conference candidates must first complete the application form. If chosen to continue in the application process, candidates will then be contacted to set up a Zoom interview with TDF staff before being accepted into the conference.
A special thanks to this year's sponsors, True North, The Independent Press Gallery of Canada, Western Standard, and Rebel News, for making our Student Journalism Conference possible.
For more information about sponsoring our conference and participating in our job fair, please contact [email protected].
About The Democracy Fund:
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education, and relieving poverty. TDF promotes constitutional rights through litigation and public education and supports access to justice initiatives for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.