Medilltalks: Where Great Ideas Take the Lede

EVANSTON, Ill. --- What does the latest research in neuroscience teach us about narrative journalism? How does the Frankenstein factor interfere with science reporting? Why are images integral to storytelling? And why is one backpack journalist not enough to do a story justice?

Learn the answers to these questions and more on Thursday, Feb. 27, when seven Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing faculty members attempt to define journalism’s best ideas at the first-ever “MedillTalks: Where Great Ideas Take The Lede.”

The free and public event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the McCormick Tribune Center Forum, 1870 Campus Drive, Evanston. A reception will follow.

Award-winning WGN-TV journalist and Medill graduate Randi Belisomo will host the two-hour event on journalism and its best practices. In 10-minute talks, each Medill instructor will complete the phrase “The best ideas in journalism…”

Members of the Medill Undergraduate Student Advisory Council will lead a discussion between faculty and the audience after the talks. Videos of the talks will be made available at a later date by registering at NewsU of Poynter.org.

MedillTalks speakers and their topics include:

• Jazmin Beltran, adjunct lecturer, “Journalism as Service”
• Michael Deas, lecturer, “Diversity as a business plan for media companies”
• Craig Duff, professor, “Technology helps us share stories”
• Abigail Foerstner, assistant professor, “The Frankenstein Factor: Journalism Addressing Assaults on Science”
• Caryn Ward, assistant professor, “The best stories are not all from one backpack”
• Michele Weldon, assistant professor emerita-in-service, “Your Brain On Story”
• Emily Withrow, assistant professor, “Creating the DIY journalism class” 

MedillTalks is part of the Medill Public Thought Leaders Initiative, directed by Michele Weldon.

To register, visit Medilltalks: Where Great Ideas Take the Lede. For more information, email Michele Weldon at m-weldon@northwestern.edu.