PEORIA, IL -- From a news release:
Two compelling documentaries and two journalists who have lived similar stories will explore “Journalism Under Fire,” a program on the dangerous conditions facing journalists in the United States and around the world.
“Journalism Under Fire” begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 24, at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Sponsored by the Peoria Area World Affairs Council (PAWAC), “Journalism Under Fire” will feature a discussion with journalists experienced in covering conflict and two films about the personal risks facing members of the media in the world’s hottest locations.
“Journalists on the Frontline” – a 25-minute documentary -- highlights journalists who have died covering the most dangerous places in the world. The video examines the dangers journalists face in Syria, Mexico and Sudan. Last year, 54 journalists were killed; the previous year 47 were murdered just for doing their jobs, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
“Fixers” – a nine-minute film -- looks at the people behind life-threatening news stories – the cameraman; the producer; the driver; and the fixer, the local person on the ground who secures a critical interview, gets access to the vital location, and understands when a situation is rife with local complexity.
Following the screenings, the discussion will include Jenni Monet, an award-winning journalist who faced personal danger covering the Dakota Access Pipeline; and Kristin McHugh, who covered several global crises for the Stanley Foundation. Chris Kaergard, associate editor of the Peoria Journal Star, will serve as the panel moderator.
Monet, a newscaster, reporter and investigative journalist, was arrested, detained and strip-searched during her Dakota Access Pipeline coverage, even though she had press credentials that clearly identified her. A graduate of the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, Monet’s reporting has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, The Center for Investigative Reporting, PBS NewsHour and Al Jazeera. She is currently investigating the extreme rate of violence and sexual assault perpetrated against Native American women.
McHugh has reported from five continents, winning several awards for her coverage about Russia, children in war zones, the United Nations relevance, and the rise of Arab media. She recently served as PAWAC executive director and is currently reporting for WCBU, Bradley University’s public radio station.
Kaergard covers local and state politics, and has worked on the Journal Star opinion page. He is an adjunct professor at Bradley and advisor to the school newspaper.
Tickets for this event will be $7 for general admission and $5 for museum members, PAWAC members, students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the door or through the PRM website at https://cart.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/performance.aspx?pid=36718
The Peoria Area World Affairs Council is a community-based volunteer organization that brings the world to Central Illinois by holding a variety of forums on international history, culture and current events. Along with expert speakers, PAWAC offers guided travel opportunities, book club meetings and public discussion forums. In an era of increasing communication and globalization, the organization provides an interactive and engaging international perspective to our local community. The Peoria Area World Affairs Council held its first conference in 1970. PAWAC is affiliated with the World Affairs Councils of America. – 30 -
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