2008 Commencement Speech

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Columbia, MO, Jesse Hall – I went back to my alma matter yesterday to deliver the commencement speech at the University of Missouri's School of Journalism graduation ceremony. I do presentations all the time, but always with the support of visuals. The process of writing a speech was new and intense, but it was rewarding to share the experience with the Class of 2008. I was introduced by graduating senior Robert Crosby. Robert Crosby: Our speaker is Brian Storm who graduated with his Missouri School of Journalism master’s degree in 1995. Mr. Storm is president of MediaStorm, the award-winning multimedia production studio based in New York City. MediaStorm has won several nationally recognized awards for its multimedia and documentary work. In just the past two years, the company has won multiple Webby Awards, Pictures of the Year International awards and an Emmy. Mr. Storm… It’s quite an honor to be here on…

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December Digital Journalist: What Matters by David Eliott Cohen

The December issue of The Digital Journalist is now online. This month features David Eliott Cohen's new book - What Matters - containing 18 long-term photo essays by some of the best photographers out there. From David's intro: "I created this book because I believe in my heart that one great photograph can change the world. And if I can show 250 great photographs about the crucial issues of our time to enough people, then maybe one of those people, or maybe a few people, or, maybe even many of those people will connect with an image. And when one great image resonates with one talented and dedicated person, and that person digs deeper, learns more and takes some action that creates positive change in the world, then What Matters can be considered a useful exercise. I can't predict who that person will be or which of the 250 images in What…

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MediaStorm produces ‘Condition: Critical, Voices from the War in Eastern Congo’ for Médecins Sans Frontières

Médecins Sans Frontières and MediaStorm have collaborated to produce Condition: Critical, Voices from the War in Eastern Congo. Hundreds of thousands of people are on the run, fleeing a war raging in eastern Congo in the provinces of North and South Kivu. They are frightened. Many are sick or wounded. Others have been harassed or raped, or have had everything they own stolen. For more than a decade, several armed groups and the army have been fighting each other in the Kivus. The violence has made it impossible for people to lead normal lives. Life isn’t just hard in the Kivus: this region is in critical condition. And things aren’t getting any better. The destiny of everyone in this region of Congo is shaped by the war. The story of their struggle to survive needs to be told. Condition: Critical features the photography of Cedric Gerbehaye.

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MediaStorm produces ‘A Climate for Life’ for the International League of Conservation Photographers

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The International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) and MediaStorm have collaborated to produce A Climate for Life: Meeting the Global Challenge This multimedia story looks at the results of climate change on our planet, tracing these effects from the poles to the tropics and examining how those diverse regions are interconnected. Using stunning photography and video from some of the greatest photographers working in nature, it includes interviews with photographers and experts relating their experiences in the field and also proposing possible solutions. The mission of the ILCP is to further environmental and cultural conservation through photography.

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Witness: Photographers, Journalists, and Social Workers Respond to Tragedy

If you're near New York City on December 3, this looks like a great event to attend: Witness: Photographers, Journalists, and Social Workers Respond to Tragedy Panel at Columbia University Location: New York City Date: Dec. 3, 2008 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m Panelists: Grace Christ, Donna DeCesare, Jack Saul, Bruce Shapiro RSVP: Kate Black, kate.black@dartcenter.org Unlike social workers or therapists—the witnesses of the helping professions—journalists and photographers function mainly to inform, interpret, and bridge rather than to help directly. Documentary photographers can inspire understanding and compassion with their images and can contribute to opening paths to assistance. Yet there are pitfalls and ethical challenges when documenting stories about communities or individuals who have been through traumatic experiences. This panel will explore ways to strengthen the impact of documentary practice, sharing knowledge and practices of inclusion across disciplines. Panelists - Bruce Shapiro, executive director, the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma (moderator)…

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