This July I participated with a scholarship through the "Heal it" Educational Programme in the 6th International Summer Academy of Journalism (THISAM) that took place in Thessaloniki. At THISAM I was also responsible for interviewing the speakers and participants. Two exclusive videos will soon be posted on the social media of the International Summer Academy.
The central theme of this year's event was "New Trends in Media and Journalism". As we are facing new crises such as the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the increasing dominance of social media in journalism, as well as new methods of communication, that have created the need to strengthen trust in journalists.
Alicia Fawcett gave a speech titled "Cyber Hygiene in the Era of Cyber(in-)Security"
Journalism students from different countries of the world such as India, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Finland and other media experts chose to attend THISAM and make the most of a summer week in a very exciting and rewarding way.
A key to this year's THISAM was the interactivity. Participants attended and took part in many workshops and activities organized by the speakers. There was constructive cooperation with participants. We all contributed at the same time with our own experience to the debate on a variety of crucial issues.
Participants had to hold a ball by answering Christoph Schmidt's question with only three words, and then throw the ball to the next person in a discussion circle.
About
THISAM, which took place on July 15-22 at the Cisco International Center for Digital Transformation and Digital Skills in Thessaloniki, offered new ideas and strategies for advancing journalism through lectures and workshops by renowned scholars and experts who gave us insights into the challenges of today's world. The organizers were the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specifically the School of Journalism and the Jean Monnet Chair for Public Diplomacy of the European Union with the project coordinators Professor Nikos Panagiotou and Professor Christos Fragonikolopoulos.
Nikos Panagiotou, Associate Professor at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and President of DCN Global.
New trends
Every year, at the Summer Academy of Journalism, new developments in the field of communication and media are discussed. This year there is a special emphasis on issues of artificial intelligence and photojournalism. Some of the new trends in journalism presented on the event were: Immersive journalism, Photojournalism, visual representation and narrating war, identifying misinformation/disinformation, visual storytelling, the role of media in hate speech, Investigative fact-checking reporting, Big Data in Media Organizations, data journalism and many more.
Dr. Dimitrios bouras talked about Photojournalism and the role of photojournalists on Visual Representation and Narrative of war, Conflicts and Humanitarian Crisis
Since its establishment a few years ago, it has evolved into an institution in south-east Europe, as it touches upon crucial aspects of modern journalism.
Ludovic Blecher, Head of Google News Initiative Innovation made a speech titled: "Global Trends in Media Innovation. Why Innovation is Still Needed"
Christophilopoulos Epaminondas, Deputy Chair at Foresight Team, Presidency of the Greek Government held a workshop titled: "Futures Literacy: Exploring trends in Journalism". The participants split into teams and designed a scenario in the context of the workshop.
THISAM is an opportunity to make memories, gain knowledge and amazing experiences, meet inspiring people, and have insights. It is a unique opportunity and an event worth taking part in, for people with a passion for journalism seeking a positive change. Don't miss it!
The Thessaloniki International Media Summer Academy is supported by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Freedom House, CISCO-International Centre for Digital Transformation & Digital Skills, the Macedonia-Thrace Editors ' Association, University of Macedonia publications, Xanthi Tech Lab and the European Union of journalists.
For more information: http://joursummerschool.org/
Photos: Giannis Triantafyllidis
