Toronto workshop for journalists will focus on innovation

Saturday morning in downtown Toronto the Canadian Association of Journalists and the CAJ Education Foundation are hosting a groundbreaking conference where news staff and management can learn about emerging techniques, technologies and models to transform journalism for the 21st century. The conference focuses on skills, strategies and tactics that journalists and their organizations can start implementing immediately.

In an interview on Friday, CAJ executive director John Dickins talked about the significance of the one-day workshop.

How many people are you expecting?
We're expecting about 150 people both from pre-registrations and walk-ins. We had projected 150 and all indications are we will meet it, and possibly exceed it.
 
 
What does the registration number tell you about this kind of training?
It's a very strong signal that this kind of training is something journalists are wanting. The industry is undergoing a huge transformation right now, and technology is very much a part of it. Those who have registered for this workshop, and newsroom managers sending staff have recognized this 'new reality'. But going one step further I think as an organization it also tells us that people are willing and able to give up a day for professional development, both from a time point of view, and financial. It is increasingly difficult to give up a full weekend and I think as an organization the CAJ is trying to be sensitive to this and adapt.
 
What does it say about the willingness of journalists to adapt?
It says a lot. Most journalists are in it because they care deeply about their craft and they do want to adapt to the new technologies especially since it is here, and there's no going back. I'd say that the vast majority are willing to adapt, but they need the tools to help them to do that. That's what we're trying to do here.
 
What is the point of the workshop?
Basically to show journalists the state of the art of journalism and to impart practical skills that we can start using right now to improve and evolve journalism in a way that moves it along to where it's going and what it's becoming which is high quality information that is relevant to citizens which is crucial in a liberal democracy.
 
What will participants learn?
They will learn where they are in relation to the leading edge of journalism, and learn about new directions they can take to continue to practice journalism.
 

Who will they learn it from?
The speakers are leading experts in journalism, design, technology, and business.