Research Week - putting a spotlight on constructive journalism

What is constructive journalism? Why is it essential in today’s constantly changing world? How can it be created? These are just some of the questions that will be discussed during the event – A Day of Constructive Journalism. This event for current and prospective media and communication specialists was held on Wednesday 3 April, from 9:00 to 15:30 at the RSU Medical Education Technology Centre (26a Anniņmuižas blvd., Room 130). The event was organised within the framework of the social sciences conference PLACES of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU). The event is supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia.

Four visiting lecturers presented during this day-long event: Cynara Vetch, international project leader at the Constructive Institute of Denmark, who has worked for BBC World Service, Al Jazeera and GGTN Africa, reported on the significance of constructive journalism in today’s media environment; Orla Borg, an investigative journalist from Denmark and the head of the Constructive Institute Fellowship Program of Constructive Institute, will focus on constructive journalism in practice; Mette Koue, the digital news editor at Danish media outlet dr.dk reported on the aspects of constructive journalism in a digital environment and the use of social media; and finally Marit Evertsen Grimstad, a radio and TV journalist for the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, will focus on particular cases with regard to the Norwegian mass media. In 2017 she was one of the creators of an award-winning TV-series, where constructive journalism was one of the methods used.

The event was open to both media representatives and students and included three practical workshops.