CJF Black Journalism Fellowship Final Report

 

When I began my fellowship at CBC Edmonton, my main goal was to grow as a reporter. I wanted to build a stronger portfolio and improve my writing, pitching and research skills. I also hoped to tell more stories from underrepresented communities in Edmonton, which is something I care deeply about as a journalist.

 

During the fellowship, I was able to accomplish many of these goals. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and learned how to become a stronger writer by paying closer attention to breaking news and covering more crime-related stories. Working in the newsroom was a fast-paced and hands-on experience. I pitched story ideas and was given assignments. Many of these stories required working under tight deadlines while gathering sources, conducting interviews and writing scripts. I often worked independently in the field, filming video, recording audio and capturing B-roll. Producing stories from start to finish helped me become more confident and organized as a reporter.

 

A big part of my learning came from the journalists around me. News editor Tanara McLean helped me improve my radio writing and showed me how to make scripts sound clear and natural. Assignment editor Scott Stevenson gave me helpful advice about using my voice when reporting for radio and how to strengthen my writing.

 

Assignment producer Thandiwe Konguavi was also a strong mentor during my fellowship. She encouraged me to keep pitching ideas and pushed me to work harder. Reporter Andrea Huncar shared useful advice about developing stronger story pitches. I also received guidance from assignment editors Patrick Connolly and Pippa Reed, who supported my reporting and radio work. Another important mentor was radio producer Emily Senger. She was one of the first people in the newsroom who believed in my work and encouraged me to keep improving my storytelling.

 

One moment that stood out was helping translate an interview in Arabic for a story about affordable housing waitlists. Being able to translate allowed the source to share their experience and helped the newsroom include a voice that might not otherwise have been heard.

 

Overall, the fellowship helped me grow as a journalist. It strengthened my reporting, writing and technical skills while allowing me to bring more diverse voices into the stories I worked on.

 

 

Featured work

 

 

THANKS TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF FOUNDING SPONSOR