Nordisk journalistlärarkonferens / Nordic Conference for Journalism teachers / Pohjoismainen toimittajakouluttajien konferenssi

Murikka Institute, Tampere, Finland

23-25 August, 2012

The Nordic Conference for Journalism Teachers in Tampere, 23-25 August, 2012 is hosted by the School of Communication, Media and Theater (CMT), University of Tampere in cooperation with the Swedish School of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki and the Department of Communication, University of Jyväskylä, with the support of 17 other member faculties of the Nordic Cooperation Commitee of Journalism Teachers (Nordiske samarbeidskomiteen for journalistuddanninger).

The Nordic Cooperation Committee of Journalism Teachers represents a long standing collaboration and exchange of opinions between journalism teachers in Nordic universities and other higher education institutions. Representatives from altogether 20 institutions meet regularly in common seminars every year, and every another year the committee arranges a conference which offers a common encounter for teachers. In 2010, the conference was held in Lökeberg, Sweden. This summer, it is Finland’s turn to host the meeting gathering some 80 to 100 experienced teachers in the art of journalism. The main purpose of the conference is to gather journalism teachers together in order to discuss and tackle common issues and problems in the journalistic field. The participants are expected to exchange ideas and help them develop their own teaching both in terms of content and methods. Also, the conference aims to encourage unofficial networking and teacher exchange between the Nordic countries.

The main theme of the Nordic Conference for Journalism Teachers 2012 is “The Elites vs. the mass – on whose side are the journalists”. The political and cultural atmosphere has changed rapidly in all Nordic countries, resulting in a new configuration of journalism and the public sphere. Populist movements have increased their popularity all over the Nordic region. Traditional political institutions, including journalism, have lost part of their earlier legitimacy. The journalists’ traditional role as intermediaries between the political elites and the audiences has not only changed, but is also questioned. How is this problem tackled in the professional training of journalists?

The conference consists of three plenary sessions, each concentrating on different themes. In addition, there are altogether 12 optional working groups focusing on current issues in the training of future journalists. Also, there is a possibility to demonstrate good teaching practices, new teaching course innovations, teaching results, course works etc. as posters.

For more information and questions about the conference, please email maria.j.laaksonen@uta.fi