As our journalism students count down towards the mid semester break, our first-year cohort reflected upon their term one activities including “Bootcamp,” followed shortly by a rare opportunity to engage with a high-profile pioneering voice of independent journalism.
Journalism Bootcamp
Written by Sophie Abela and Dr Anne Kruger
The School of Communication and Arts journalism bootcamp is an opportunity to create a sense of belonging in your degree - spending the morning connecting with peers, academics and MaPS staff exploring journalism concepts and practices.
Bootcamp was hosted in the Digital Learning Space (level 2, Joyce Ackroyd Building), a space unique to UQ Journalism and Communication students. The opportunity to collaborate with your new network in an environment unlike a lecture hall or tutorial adds depth to your first-year experience - leave with new friendships, skills and a greater sense of your journalism journey at UQ.
The morning began with our convenor of journalism Dr Anne Kruger, exploring the fascinating stories and experiences from some of our own teaching staff – A/Prof Levi Obijiofor, and Dr Kylie Navuku. They painted a vivid image of the commitment required to carry out professional journalism – including the dangers and responsibilities that come from access to sensitive information and people in high places.
The MaPS team then reminded students that the Digital Learning Space is their learning “home” for the next few years, before Evangelene put students through their paces with video field activities.
Special thanks to the UQ JACS team who came by and reminded students how they were once in their shoes, and how the opportunities to get involved in events and professional networking outside of the classroom help make university life rewarding.
Below are some reflections from first year journalism students:
Dante Newland
"The UQ Journalism Bootcamp was an incredibly fun and informative workshop that I highly recommend. It provided a fantastic opportunity to hear from industry experts, connect with fellow students, and explore our production and learning spaces on campus. I especially appreciated the chance to familiarize myself with everything the School of Communication and Arts has to offer, including Media and Production Support (MaPS) and JACtech. Overall, it was an exciting and valuable introduction to the world of journalism at UQ."
Phoebe Imberger
"It was so lovely getting to speak to you at the Bootcamp about your experience in the industry. Thank you so much for running such an engaging and enjoyable day and providing opportunities for advice.
I was thoroughly fascinated by the life experiences of the tutors/lecturers that we heard from. It was inspiring to hear such remarkable stories and receive advice from industry professionals."
Sophie Abela
"Thank you for Bootcamp, I found it incredibly valuable. I met a fellow documentary photographer and suggested we shoot local protests together and was met warmly with a ‘yes’. I appreciated the chance to engage with Journalism staff and learn more about the academics influencing our degrees. Connecting with the MaPS team was fantastic, building rapport with them will be of great benefit considering the support they offer in developing the technical skills we will be honing throughout our studies. Becoming better acquainted with the environment and embodying collaborative work in ‘our space’ was powerful, I feel even more inclined to study in the space and use the studio. Exposure to the JACS team cemented my desire to participate in their Executive team as opportunities arise."
From Russia with love
Written by Dr Anne Kruger
Reflections of the importance and special commitment required for journalism continued as students were treated to an exceptional afternoon that encapsulated just how chaotic yet simple it is for disinformation to spread.
Thanks to Professor Greg Hainge, Head of School from UQ’s School of Languages and Cultures reaching out to let us know about a visiting Russian writer, the journalism school was treated to a rare Masterclass Q & A with Mikahil Zygar.
Zygar fled to the US after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He is a journalist, writer, and filmmaker, and the founding editor-in-chief of Russia’s only independent news television channel, TVRain.
Under Mikahil Zygar’s leadership, TVRain focused on news content and gave a platform to opposition voices.
I was incredibly proud of the questions and engagement from our students who managed to weave sport, bravery, laughter and poignant moments of reflection from Zygar.
As moderator, I asked Zygar to explain to our students the daily risks and experiences he encountered as an independent TV founder in Russia – compared with us here in Australia where we have an independent, not state controlled public broadcaster. I was concerned students would not quite register the magnitude.
“Well, first”, Mikhail paused, “never take anything for granted – look at what is unfolding where I now live” [the US].
