Indigenous Voice: a work-integrated learning case study in journalism education

Abstract

The continuing stereotypical coverage ofIndigenous affairs in theAustralian media suggests that journalists are still finding it difficult to come to terms with more effective ways ofreporting such issues. The many hundreds of students who graduate from journalism programs across Australia represent an opportunity to at least challenge the predominant methods and strategies. But how prepared are journalism graduatesfor working with Indigenous issues? This paper explores the processes involved in an intensive reportingpractice course held at the University of Queensland mid-2009. The course aimed to raise journalism students' awa1'eness ofsome of the issues involved as well as enabling them to interact and work with personnel from the Brisbane Indigenous media community, 98.9 FM, the Nat/onalIndigenous Radio Service, SBS and the ABC. The jiiuiings suggest that such structured programs have a Significant impact on changing students'perceptions oj, and approaches to, their role asjournalists.