Aman Azhar |
Before joining climate journalism, I worked as broadcast correspondent for over a decade covering foreign policy and politics for TV networks with a global reach. I repurposed my career after realizing that the biggest story of our times is the climate crisis, which has the potential to challenge our wellbeing and disrupt our way of life. Now, after reporting on climate and environmental issues for a number of years, I have come to realize that our daily quest for truth-telling is being challenged by deliberate mass disinformation, AI-generated deep-fakes and political-corporate nexus that wants the status quo to prevail even if that means social disruption at a planetary scale as a result of global warming.
In this situation, there is an ever-present need for journalists to continually hone their craft, learn to apply critical thinking to counter disinformation and stay abreast with new tools and formats for storytelling to get better at truth-telling and communicating with audiences. Also, as a journalist of color, I’m an advocate of more diversity within editorial and newsroom cultures.
Based on my experience and passions as a climate journalist, I see myself doing the following as SEJ board member:
- Organize expert talks or a lecture series on emerging developments in climate science, countering disinformation in the age of AI, approaches to ecological sustainability from other cultures threatened by climate change.
- I will strive to bring more journalists of color within the SEJ fold by working to expand SEJ’s journalist fund for SEJ conferences and learning opportunities.
- I will be effective in networking and spreading SEJ to a wider network of possible funders that can bring more resources to SEJ in the form of new partnerships and funders.
- Undertake internal assessment of SEJ products such as the website and the daily SEJ news digest for enhancements that can attract more eyeballs and be more helpful in communicating the message.
As an experienced journalist, I am well-equipped and well-networked to turn these proposals into a reality and that’s the vision I bring to the table for your consideration.
Thank you for listening and for your consideration.
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