Samara recognizes the vital role played by public affairs journalism in Canada. It acts as an important bridge between government and citizens. It also contributes to framing and setting the tone of our public debates.

Our seminar series seeks to provide inspiring examples of innovations in public affairs journalism, and to create a gathering space for journalists and others interested in public affairs reporting to exchange ideas and learn from one another.

Samara partnered with the Massey College Canadian Journalism Fellowships, at the University of Toronto, in this effort. Videos and summaries of the seminars are available below. 

Upcoming seminars

Samara is working closely with this year's Massey Fellows on its 2012 program. Please stay tuned for information on our upcoming seminars.

Videos and summaries of previous seminars

Emily Bell
Director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism, Columbia School of Journalism; Director of Digital Content, The Guardian News and Media (2006-2010).

Birgitta Jónsdóttir
Member of Iceland's Parliament and early WikiLeaks volunteer

Ellen Weiss 
Former Senior Vice President for News, National Public Radio (NPR)

Tom Rosenstiel
Director, Pew Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism, and author of the State of the News Media Report

Paul Steiger
Editor and CEO, ProPublica

Jim Brady
Former executive editor, Washingtonpost.com