Minifie lecturer to focus on "new ethics of journalism"

Posted: March 11, 2013 2:30 p.m.

On March 19 the University of Regina will host the 33rd Annual James M. Minifie Lecture. These lectures are delivered by leading Canadian journalists who address important current issues, including the state of journalism and democracy in our country.

This year’s lecture will be presented by Wab Kinew and is entitled "Ideals Once More: How social media, social movements and Indigenous people urge us towards a new ethics of Journalism". His lecture will focus on how the world has changed with the advent of the web and the increase in social media outlets. Examples and parallels will be drawn from the recent Idle No More movement.

Wab Kinew was named by Postmedia News as one of “Nine Aboriginal movers and shakers you should know.” In 2012, he hosted the acclaimed CBC Television series “8th Fire.” His musical talents have won him an Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award and his journalism career has won an Adrienne Clarkson RTNDA Award, a Gabriel Award and he is currently nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best TV Host / Interviewer.

Kinew is the director of Indigenous inclusion at the University of Winnipeg. He holds a bachelor of arts in economics and is a member of the Midewin.

“Understanding the grievances and implications of the Idle No More movement is a matter of serious public importance, particularly in this part of the country,” said Mitch Diamantopoulos, department head at the School of Journalism.

“Wab will help make sense of this developing story with his understanding of social media, his deep community roots and his award-winning record of journalistic achievement.”

The Minifie lectures are a celebration of journalism’s role in a democratic society and are named in honour of James Minifie, one of Canada's most courageous and acclaimed journalists. After serving in the Canadian Army at the age of 16, he returned to study at Regina College, forerunner to the University of Regina. He pursued education in journalism and ultimately began his career in 1929. During his notable career, he worked at the New York Herald Tribune, covered the Spanish War and the Battle of Britain, was a correspondent for CBC and penned a number of books before his passing in 1974.

The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Education Auditorium, Education Building. Admission to the lecture is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information, please contact 585-4420.