Over 140 Delegates, 25 Speakers, and a Snowstorm: A Wild Ride at Canada’s Largest Student Journalism Conference
Last weekend, during a fierce snowstorm, students from across Canada packed their bags and made their way to McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, for NASH87 – Canada’s largest student journalism conference. Despite the severe weather conditions, everyone managed to arrive and be part of this incredible event!
The NASH Conference has long been a key gathering for student journalists, bringing together inspiring reporters, keynote speakers from renowned media outlets, and industry professionals. Over the years, it has served as a platform for students to explore the evolving media landscape, share insights, and discuss the major challenges currently facing the journalism industry. With each year, the conference offers invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and growing within the field, even as it highlights the ever-present obstacles the media world continues to grapple with.
Mark Colley, a Canadian journalist currently working as a staff reporter for the Toronto Star, was one of the keynote speakers. He shared his work, challenges, and sources of inspiration with delegates. Mark participated in sessions offering insights into transitioning from student journalism to professional media roles, alongside a session dedicated to providing tips on how to find good stories.
Justin Chandler, a CBC News reporter and dedicated union organizer, covered a range of topics in his session, from building a sustainable career in the media to effectively navigating the challenges of the media sector. With a focus on practical strategies for success, Chandler shared insights into how students and early-career journalists can strengthen their skills, secure fair compensation, and balance the demands of their profession with personal well-being.
Eva Salinas, a journalist with over a decade of experience working with both Canadian and international media outlets, joined Jim Rankin, a reporter-photographer with the Toronto Star, Joey Coleman, the founder and journalist behind ThePublicRecord.ca, and Justin Chandler in a panel discussion at this year’s conference. The panel focused on the emergence of technology in the newsroom, a key topic during the event.
Throughout the session, the experts discussed how advancements like AI, automation, and digital tools have already begun to transform the journalism industry. These technologies have streamlined workflows, changed how news is produced and consumed, and created new opportunities for storytelling. However, as the panelists noted, these developments also come with complex ethical challenges. Issues such as misinformation, data privacy, and the potential for bias in automated systems are now more important than ever. The discussion provided attendees with valuable insights into the opportunities and risks that journalists must navigate as they incorporate these emerging technologies into their work.
As NASH87 ended, it was evident that the future of journalism rests in the hands of committed, thoughtful, and tech-savvy young journalists. Despite the challenges posed by the weather and the evolving media landscape, the conference provided delegates with the tools, experiences, and inspiration necessary to navigate the future of the industry.