IJNet Pamela Howard Forum on Crisis Reporting

Disinformation, disease, climate change, rising authoritarianism, financial crises, technology disruptions – these are just some of the challenges facing our world, and they do not stop at any border. Trained journalists, who understand how to effectively cover these seismic and overlapping events, are vital to finding solutions. The IJNet Pamela Howard Forum on Crisis Reporting, a project of ICFJ, is designed to equip journalists with the expertise to provide meaningful coverage of critical global issues of local importance.

As part of our Forum initiative in five languages, reporters learn from leading experts through regular webinar programming on urgent issues of the day. They share information through online groups and collaborate with each other to tell cross-border stories. The initiative builds on the success of the ICFJ Global Health Crisis Reporting Forum, launched when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Today, our growing community is made up of over 17,500 members from all over the world, who are countering disinformation and informing the public despite enormous challenges. See our impact and get involved below.

Just as almost every reporter became a “health reporter” during the pandemic, the global challenges ahead will demand that journalists build expertise to meet future crises. They demand an independent media to accurately and contextually report on both the global and local realities of the world’s most pressing issues.

We are honored to name this crucial initiative after ICFJ Vice Chair Pamela Howard, a staunch, dedicated supporter of our work for over 20 years.

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Key Reporting Advice from a Year of Elections Worldwide

October 15, 2024

Journalists covering elections in 2024 have combated pervasive mis- and disinformation, documented the rise of political extremism and persevered amid growing attacks on the press. By the end of the year, more than 60 countries will have been impacted by major elections. In a recent Crisis Reporting Forum session, IJNet brought together three journalists who reported on major elections and their aftermath this year in Germany, South Africa and Venezuela.

A photo of James Okong'o being interviewed in an office. He's sitting in front of a large light and camera equipment.

How Journalists in the ICFJ Network are Covering Elections Around the Globe

September 26, 2024

James Okong'o — who recently published an eye-opening investigation about disinformation campaigns in Kenya and Nigeria — is just one of many journalists ICFJ has equipped to reach voters with trustworthy news. In a year when more than 60 countries are holding national elections, this support is foundational.

Toward an Audience-Centric Future for Journalism

August 2, 2024

Some journalists are taking initiative to reorient the industry toward what they believe will be a more prosperous future – by centering audiences first and foremost. Newsrooms today already have taken steps to prioritize the audiences they serve, noted Raghu. “Ten, 12 years ago, there was this very, very different atmosphere where journalists would write for journalists,” she said. Capitalizing on this momentum will be key. “[The journalism industry now] is automatically and very organically turning to being user-centric.”

Advice for Journalists Forced Into Exile

July 17, 2024

IJNet’s Exiled Media Toolkit, developed in collaboration with the Network of Exiled Media Outlets (NEMO), features advice from journalists with first-hand knowledge of the challenges exiled journalists face. It includes tips on how exiled outlets can remain relevant to their audiences, how to measure their impact from exile – which can be especially difficult under an authoritarian regime – and the importance of maintaining a network of journalists in-country. The resource package also includes case studies of exiled journalists from Myanmar, Russia and Nicaragua, which shed light on the paths taken by three different outlets to establish themselves abroad, each amid uniquely trying circumstances.

Tips for Covering the Republican and Democratic National Conventions

July 17, 2024

"Even though there's a zillion other reporters running around, and even though the conventions are very scripted, and [...] even though our access as reporters may in some ways be more limited than the past, I'm very curious to see what [they] look like,” said Craig Gilbert, political columnist and former Washington Bureau Chief at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, during an IJNet Crisis Reporting Forum session.

Journalists Speak to the Challenges of Covering the Israel-Hamas War

May 21, 2024

It has been over seven months since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, and no resolution appears in sight.

As cease-fire negotiations have been unsuccessful, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, continues, intensifying an already dire humanitarian crisis. One hundred twenty eight hostages remain held captive by Hamas, according to Israel.

Tips for Building a Reporting Calendar

March 5, 2024

From extreme climate events and armed conflicts, to major elections and more, journalists can feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of stories demanding coverage. Even with strong management skills, reporters may regularly find themselves playing catch-up on significant events as they unfold.

IJNet Journalist of the Month: Thalie Ponce

February 29, 2024

When Ecuadorian journalist Thalie Ponce graduated high school at 16, two years ahead of schedule, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do next.

It was only when she read Truman Capote's In Cold Blood, recommended by a professor during a pre-university course, that she decided to be a journalist

3 Predictions for Media in 2024

February 5, 2024

It’s important for journalists to reflect on the current state of media and identify trends to determine how best to meet the challenges of the changing news landscape.