Global Journalists Share Professional Experiences at Annual Cronkite Speaker Series

Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication kicks off its annual “Cronkite Global Conversations” speaker series this week, with in-depth talks from global journalists on the media’s impact in developing nations.The conversations are led by members of Cronkite School’s Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, a U.S. State Department-funded initiative that brings 10 working media professionals from around the world to Cronkite for a year of intensive study. Fellows take classes, develop leadership skills and collaborate with other media professionals.The series begins Feb. 8 with a discussion on free speech and freedom of expression in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Its ends March 15 with a talk on the shifting role of nonprofit organizations in the 21st century. Other topics include the power of art as a means of communication and how broadcasters worldwide are adapting to expansive new ways of providing visual narratives.“From Kazakhstan to Burkina Faso, the world of journalism is constantly changing,” said Associate Professor B. William Silcock, director of Cronkite Global Initiatives. “Through their experiences, the Cronkite Humphrey fellows can help us see how technology is changing reporting or how the battle for freedom of speech is still alive and well around the globe.”This year’s Humphrey fellows are from Belarus, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Ukraine. The fellows offer global perspectives to Cronkite students through the “Cronkite Global Conversations” speaker series, classes and informal talks during their 10-month stay.The hour-long “Cronkite Global Conversations” are open to the public. Sessions begin at noon on select Wednesdays throughout February and March. They are held in room 444 on the fourth floor of the Cronkite School on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus.Spring 2017 “Cronkite Global Conversations” ScheduleFeb. 8: “Freedom of Speech in Kazakhstan and Bulgaria”Dina Zhansagimova from Kazakhstan, an expert in broadcast journalism, and Ivaylo Vezenkov, a veteran journalist from Bulgaria, discuss restrictions on free speech and respect for freedom of expression in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.Feb. 15: “The Power of Art – When Words Fail”Sometimes visuals can accomplish what words cannot. Marie Laurentine Bayala, an award-winning filmmaker from Burkina Faso; Tynymgul Eshieva, a communication and public relations expert from Kyrgyzstan; and Leanid Pashkouski, an advertising and media professional from Belarus, provide insight into the power of art as a medium of communication.March 1: “A View from Rwanda, India and Nigeria”Broadcasters are embracing new ways of providing visual narratives in a multiplatform media world. Kunal Ranjan of India, who has a decade of experience spanning print, digital and television journalism; Adetola Kayode, an experienced journalist from Nigeria; and Jean Claude Kabengera, chief news editor for Radio/TV10 in Rwanda, discuss the latest developments in their countries.March 15: “New Models for NGOs in the 21st Century”Nonprofit organizations are reshaping the way they function and work in the 21st century. Narmina Strishenets, a leading communications professional from Ukraine, and Edine Harr’met-Kimbouala, an NGO expert from Congo-Brazzavile, discuss NGOs and their role in countries across the world.