Meet the Jurors: Roslyn Morris speaks about new expectations and the young reporters category
Graphics by Nordcap Studio
AIPS Media
LAUSANNE, July 6, 2020 – AIPS Honorary Secretary General and member of the AIPS Sport Media Awards jury, Roslyn Morris is an Australian journalist with a vast experience in written press and television. Morris joined AIPS in 2006, working as an executive editor. She later became Secretary General, holding the position for seven years until 2016. Since her affiliation with AIPS, Morris never stopped emphasising the role of AIPS in supporting the young generations. She played an important role in the development of the AIPS Young Reporters Programme.
Morris spoke to AIPS about the new expectations regarding submissions for the 2020 edition of the AIPS Sport Media Awards, which will reflect how journalism has managed to react to the new scenario caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Backed by many years of working with buddying journalists in AIPS, Morris answered some curiosities concerning the Young Reporters category.
The young reporters who participated in the Awards last year proved that different backgrounds and levels of experience could be enriching elements. What is the importance of having a category that awards young journalists from all over the world?
It is important to recognise, encourage, and to develop talent. The AIPS Sports Media Awards are an incredible platform, not just for the winners, but also, for all contestants. I encourage all young sports journalists not only to participate, but to use the experience to learn from more experienced practitioners and their peers.
Do you expect a further improvement in the quality of the submissions?
Because of the impact that COVID-19 has had on sport and society I expect this year’s submissions to have more of a local angle. I will be looking for entries from young journalists that are creative and highlight superior reporting skills that tell a compelling story in a difficult moment.
Young generations are often bearers of new emerging topics. Do you think that pressing issues such as the environment, gender issues, and racism will be present in the works submitted by the young reporters? Do you think that their way to look at those issues will bring anything new?
All young journalists must find the space for issues like the environment, gender inequality, and racism in their reporting. This not only serves the audience but also ensures that the industry remains relevant in a rapidly changing social and media landscape. As these issues gain more momentum in the public rhetoric, if young journalists don’t find a way to contribute meaningful and factual reporting, then the debate will continue in spaces like Twitter and Instagram, WITHOUT the ethical framework that guides journalists. This could mean rampant misreading of misinformation that actually hinders social progression rather than helping. This is just as relevant for sports journalists.
Journalism is facing the global effects of the pandemic during one of its most challenging times. What do you think young generations of reporters will learn from that?
The pandemic has highlighted just how quickly information can be disseminated in today’s online world and how easy it is to get it wrong. The coronavirus crisis sits at the crux of health/science and political reporting. As such, for most young journalists it’s been a very helpful learning experience in knowing when to report straight health information (facts and figures), and when to hold governments, federations, and clubs to account, and how quickly the narrative can develop from one type of story into another. It’s also a great lesson in personal safety.
What are your feelings about the AIPS Young Reporters Programme almost ten years on from the first edition in Shenzhen 2011?
The very first AIPS Young Reporters Programme organised together with FISU in Shenzhen was the most ambitious to date. 44 young reporters and journalism students from five continents were joined by 20 local Chinese journalists for the 26th Summer Universiade. The organisation and logistics were extremely challenging but we managed a very successful first programme, with many of the participants now leading the field in their chosen professions.
Many of the subsequent programmes have been single sport competitions, which in one sense made the organisation easier, but in another, much more challenging news-wise. The current AIPS mentoring team has a wealth of experience. This is evidenced by superb learning and reporting outcomes, not just for participants, but also, for the stakeholder partners who would not normally have such an international spotlight on their sporting event.
I am very proud to be a part of the foundation of the AIPS Young Reporter Programme and enjoy watching it go from strength to strength.
ROSLYN MORRIS After completing her journalism cadetship with News Limited in the late 1970’s Roslyn Morris worked for The Australian, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mirror, Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Mirror newspapers. A move to television saw her join a large regional network where she was bureau chief and on-air reporter/presenter. Morris joined Good Morning Australia in Sydney as a senior on-air reporter before moving to New York, where she worked for UNICEF, and Murdoch’s Star Magazine. Morris later became an international education consultant and then joined AIPS in 2006 as executive editor of AIPS Magazine. She took on the role of AIPS Secretary-General from 2009 – 2016, and is now Honorary Secretary General of AIPS. Morris was instrumental in developing the AIPS Young Reporters Program and facilitating the role of AIPS as Special Olympics International’s first-ever Global Impact Partner. Most recently she was a member of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Media Advisory Group.
ABOUT THE AWARDS
Split into 8 main categories, the Awards are a celebration of the best sport storytellers from around the world. Submissions for professionals are free and open until October 7, 2020. Find more and submit your work in www.aipsawards.com. To know how to submit, please check the quick guide. If you have questions, you can check our Frequently Asked Questions section or contact us at info@aipsawards.com