Persistent bombings, the isolation of the Gaza Strip, and the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel by the US; the Middle East is frequently covered by media from all over the world. But what’s behind those stories? To what extent are the stories we see in the media complete? How do you report on an area that is so complex? And what does the daily life of a foreign correspondent looks like?

While air-raid alarms go off and geopolitical crises occur, babies are born, people get married and daily life continues. Dutch journalist Jan Franke lives in Tel Aviv and reports from Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt. Jan is back in the Netherlands for a couple of days, and will share his experiences living as a correspondent abroad with us.

What is it like to work and live in a country that is in a permanent state of conflict? How does this affect you as a journalist and – at least as important – as a human being? Why do some events get coverage and others do not? And how does social media influence journalism? This lecture will discuss recent developments in the Middle East, as well as the work of a journalist and the daily life in this area.

Correspondent Jan Franke has been living in Tel Aviv for 6 years and covers stories for international and Dutch printed press, radio and television. He can be heard on NPR radio (US) and seen on television (Turkey, The Netherlands and Belgium).

More information:
Date: Monday 19 March 2018
Time: 16:30 – 17:45 hours
Location: Erasmus Paviljoen

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Organised by Studium Generale