Stories about Media & Journalism from October, 2015
Want to Research the Russian Internet But Don't Speak Russian? We Can Help.
Conducting open-source research is especially challenging when you don't speak the language of your research topic. Thanks to the Internet, however, even these obstacles don't make it impossible.
Mainstream Media Comes Under Fire for ‘Biased’ Coverage of Shia Religious Event
Every year, millions of Shia mark the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain bin Ali, killed 1,300 years ago. Netizens hit back on how mainstream media get it wrong.
How Poor Service Turned Into Slut Shaming in Trinidad & Tobago
"The victim (and yes, she is a victim) is a grown woman who has every right to use her personal property in any legal way she saw fit."
Bomb Attack On Shia Gathering in Dhaka Raises Questions in Bangladesh
The Islamic State group has reportedly claimed responsibility for the Hussaini Dalan bomb attack, which killed one and injured over sixty others.
Ukraine's New Banned Websites Registry: Security Measure or Censorship Tool?
Ukraine's new cyberpolice say they want to protect Ukrainians online, but a banned websites registry is causing Internet users to worry about adverse effects on free expression.
French Citizens Are Raising Their Voices for More Respect, Less Hate in Politics
"There is no longer anything to expect from those who govern us." Citizen movements want to take the lead in changing politics in France.
Iranians React to the New Iranian-American Twitter Chairman
Twitter announces it's new executive chairman to be an Iranian-American. We take a look at what Iranian news and social media have been saying in reaction.
Myanmar ‘Cartoonists Have Been on the Side of the People’
"Many say that cartoonists or journalists should not be biased, but must be neutral. It is wrong. They should have bias. They must. By bias, I don’t mean prejudice."
Female Entrepreneurs Give a Major Boost to the Development of Francophone Africa
Increasingly, civil society—and especially women—are keen to partake in the boom by starting businesses and joining Africa's new entrepreneurial mobilisation.
In Brazil, Where Abortion Is Illegal, a Domestic Worker Faces Public Scrutiny After Abandoning Her Child
A woman working as a maid in São Paulo, who abandoned her infant child "out of desperation," has received public condemnation, media criticism, and sparked a discussion of women's rights.
Documentary Explores What It's Like to Be Black in Japan
This interesting full-length documentary, made by a pair of popular Japanese video bloggers explores what it's like to be black in Japan.
The Murky Ethics of Publishing Data on Russian Servicemen ‘Bombing Syria’
Ukrainian "civic investigation" project Mirotvorets, previously preoccupied with exposing the Russian military presence in eastern Ukraine, has published personal data of Russian servicemen allegedly engaged in airstrikes in Syria.
Refugees Take Over Danish Daily Newspaper For a Day to Tell Their Stories
The Danish daily newspaper Information invited 12 refugees, some newly arrived, all professional journalists, to take over the entire 48 pages of the newspaper on Friday, October 9.
Video Blog Provides In-Depth Insights Into How Japanese Politics Work
Japan specialist Tim Langley provide in-depth insights into Japanese politics not normally covered in mainstream media in his engaging video blog.
A Man Who Travels the World Not to See Things, But Hear Them
Sound artist Jacob Kirkegaard used to be a musician. But he discovered he'd rather find sounds than make them. Now he records what other people barely notice.
Political Cartoons Defy Censorship to Expose Thai-Style ‘Democracy’
A political cartoonist who criticized Thailand's military-backed government has become the latest journalist to be summoned by the army for "attitude-adjustment."
Belarus Catches Up to Russia With Its Own Pro-government ‘Troll Factory’
Leaked emails published on ElectBy suggest pro-government Belarusian Republican Youth Union directs its local chapters to leave negative comments on articles about recent opposition rallies.
Belarusian Author and Journalist Svetlana Alexievich Wins 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature
Alexievich is the 14th woman to win a Nobel Prize in Literature, and the first Russian-language author to be granted the honor since 1987, when Joseph Brodsky received the prize.
Turkey Puts a Gun to the Media's Head in Lead-Up to Elections
Information campaigns and physical intimidation that once targeted Kurdish and leftist media are now being aimed at major media outlets of all kinds.
Uncovering Attempts to Hide Oil's Footprints in Peru (Part II)
Convoca, an investigative reporting outlet in Peru, has gained access to hydrocarbons environmental monitoring reports, which were not made public and were ignored by the last three administrations.
Kidnapped, But Sameera Is Ever-Present in the Memories of Syrians
Yasin Al Hajj Saleh is a teacher of hope. If he was able to smile in the face of hope, what is your excuse?