Workshop: Human Rights Investigative Reporting with Iain Overton
Standard £150
Freelance/Student £125
Members £100
Whether researching human rights abuses in a civil war, or exposing human trafficking in the sex trade, this one-day workshop will introduce you to the life of investigative reporting.
Whether you already have experience in the field, are looking to start out, or simply have a critical mind, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need. Overall, this session will give you the tools to help set up an investigation; from filing a Freedom of Information request to being aware of ethical implications of undercover reporting. Importantly, it will also help you tell the stories that matter, and teach you how to have one of the most interesting jobs in the world and how to survive doing it.
The workshop will be led by award-winning investigative journalist Iain Overton. Overton has conducted investigations in areas that include counterfeiting in the pharmaceutical industry, UK deaths in custody, corporate killings in Iraq, and Glasgow gang-land murders linked to security contracts. His work has been recognised with a Peabody Award, two Amnesty International Awards, a OneWorld Award, a Prix Circom, a BAFTA Scotland and three RTS nominations, amongst others.
Here’s what participants had to say about Iain’s recent workshop at the club:
“Really well done – the workshop was rich with practical knowledge.”
“I enjoyed Iain’s wealth of direct experience of what he talked about and of course his passion.”
“This workshop has stretched me to think and pause in amongst the creative process. It was a good combination of practical advice and encouragement to do great human rights investigations.”
“The passion and richness of experience covered opened my mind to new techniques and opportunities and ideas.”
“It was very, very informative and inspiring.”
“Fascinating. I loved listening to his individual stories and case studies – how other journalists tackle and tell their stories.”
“It was inspiring and honest.”
Overton is currently the Director of Investigations at the international organisation Action on Armed Violence and has recently writing a book for Canongate about the impact of guns worldwide.
What we will cover:
- How to survive as a human rights investigative reporter.
- Exposés and undercover reporting: ethics and practical considerations
- Tools of the human rights investigative trade: from FOI submissions to data journalism
- Making an impact: how to secure commissions, media collaborations and fund self-publishing
- Storytelling: how to tell your story so that it matters.
Images: Churikov Eduard / Shutterstock.com; Iain Overton
