The Centre for Anthropology and Journalism (“AxJ”) was established as a hub where the two disciplines can learn from, and help each other.
Anthropology and journalism are close kin. Both share an interest in discovering what matters to society. Their methods are similar, from interviews to participating in events, fieldwork, and more. Their values are also shared, including reducing bias and not being extractive to the communities on which they report.
Ethnographic tools bring a different dimension to journalism—one that can help with the mounting challenges faced by journalists working to unearth stories that matter to communities.
Meanwhile, interest from anthropologists in participating in the media and reaching the public continues to increase. By repurposing their skills and collaborating with journalists, researchers can have a positive effect on media reporting of anthropologically sensitive issues, such as international affairs, minorities, culture, and arts.
Timeline
A brief history of the collaboration between anthropology and journalism.
1960s
Anthropologist and author Margaret Mead writes her monthly column for Redbook Magazine.
1970s
American Anthropology Association establishes a newsroom to work more closely with media.
1980s
The Center for Anthro-Journalism was established in 1987 in Washington D.C. (founded by science reporter Randolph Fillmore). The Center moved to Florida in the 1990s and was renamed the Center for Anthropology and Science Communications in 1994 (led by Merry Bruns). It closed in 2009.
1990s
Several academic articles and books promoting the use of ethnographic methods in reporting were published throughout the ’90s. Notably, Media Anthropology edited by Susan Allen (1994).
2000s
Award-winning writers employ ethnographic methods. For example, anthropologist and journalist Gillian Tett publishes prescient ethnographic reporting on the 2008 financial crisis for the Financial Times; and journalist and professor Ted Conover publishes his book Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing.
Currently we…
- Facilitate learning for anthropologists and journalists via free online resources.
- Nurture a member-community of engaged journalists and researchers with access to coaching, workshops, and more. Learn more about memberships.
- Run workshops at anthropology and journalism conferences, as well as for research institutions and academic organizations. More about workshops here.
- Maintain a library of ethnographic reporting.
Join us
The Centre for Anthropology and Journalism offers memberships for social scientists, journalists, and anyone interested in engaging communities via meaningful reporting.
Learn more about memberships here.
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