International Journalism Week (IJW) 2023, organised by the Department of Journalism Studies at the University of Sheffield, takes place from 30 October to 2 November 2023. The theme for this year’s IJW is Journalism under attack, with the sub-theme press freedom under attack.

“Journalism is under attack!” is a pungent statement that means different things to different people. What comes to your mind when you hear this? Is it the dangers faced by journalists as they carry out their duties in a world where autocracy appears to be on the rise?  Is it the challenge of ascertaining genuine news in the age of deepfakes, Chat GPT, and other forms of digital transformations? Or is it the shield that journalists use to ward off scrutiny when their bad behaviour is called into question? If any of these came to your mind, you are right! This year’s International Journalism Week (IJW) which is organised by the Journalism, Media and Communication department of the University of Sheffield will explore diverse threats and perceived threats to journalism, and how journalists can stay safe, sane and productive in the face of exponential threats to their profession. 

It is no wonder, therefore, that the IJW 2023 theme is “Journalism Under Attack!” with “Press Freedom Under Attack!” as a subtheme. The programme, which takes place on 30 October - 2 November 2023, will feature engaging talks, workshops, and panel discussions by speakers from different parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, America, and Europe. The speakers include veteran journalists, journalism safety experts, and a documentary producer who will share their wealth of knowledge and experience on war coverage and investigative journalism. There will also be talks from experts on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism; weaponizing the law against journalists, and a speech on 2 November to commemorate the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists”. 

One of the highlights of the IJW event is the Creative Media Competitions. These competitions are open to first year undergraduate and MA Global Journalism students at the University of Sheffield. The students will compete for awards in the production of captivating and original short videos and podcasts that would expound on the theme of IJW2023. The competitors will receive training and support for their productions from University’s Creative Media Team.