Overview

In the age of alt-facts, deeply researched reporting is more crucial than ever to the viability of an informed citizenry and a healthy democracy. Investigative reporters craft the stories that form the heart of our public discourse. These stories require advanced technical skills, but over the past decade, data transparency laws have been empowering all writers to explore their ideas more fully than ever before.

Banff Centre is proud to host a five-day intensive on investigative journalism with an accompanying summit. This program teaches nonfiction writers and journalists to use investigative research techniques as they create compelling narratives.

Participants will also attend a summit entitled Journalism in the Age of Illiberalism. From October 20-21, writers and journalists will gather in Banff to discuss practical next steps in the critical conversation around media and democracy.

What does the program offer?

This residency provides a wide-ranging introduction to the use of investigative research in nonfiction writing. Through a combination of interactive seminars and workshops, participants will learn to identify research sources, extract the necessary information, and turn data and interviews into rich, engaging narratives.

Morning seminars will teach techniques ranging from handling adversarial interviews to digitally-assisted reporting to navigating freedom of information laws. Afternoon workshops will be devoted to the application of these skills in crafting a narrative and reviewing participants’ works.

Instructors will be available to meet privately with participants to discuss ideas, drafts of articles and scripts, and obstacles participants may be encountering with their reporting.

Who should apply?

Journalists and writers who are working on investigative projects or are interested in improving their investigative skills are invited to apply. The program will be of particular interest to recent graduates, freelancers, and those hoping to bring fresh details and new techniques to their work.

Application Deadline

July 26, 2017

To apply: click here