Payvand.com - A new online report released by the Washington, D.C.-based International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) seeks to help journalists gain insight into the complex issues surrounding Iranian politics, economics and society.

Earlier this year, ICFJ decided to take a closer look at Iran and explore fresh approaches for news coverage on Iran. With the support of the United States Institute of Peace, the center held a conference called "Iran 360°: Exploring Politics, Economics and Society in a Global Hot Spot." The report features highlights of the conference and further insight.

In addition, it features cartoons as well as audio clips of interviews with experts on a variety of topics.
 

political cartoon by Nikahang Kowsar

Iran is complex by anyone's standards. Even journalists who have spent decades reporting on it struggle to understand it fully. Yet many Westerners think they know a lot about Iran because it shows up in the headlines so often.

The words and names people see-Ahmadinejad, nuclear, oil, veil, mullah-have become synonymous with fear and distrust, and the saber-rattling between Iranian officials and the West dominates much of the media coverage. Sidebars, Web slide shows and extended interviews have not yet convinced the general public that Iran is a multidimensional story.

How much of this is the journalist's problem? Are editors concerned that they might be perpetuating stereotypes?

ICFJ perceived a need to take a closer look at the Iran buzzwords and find new openings for fresh approaches to reporting about Iran. You will find here an opportunity to gain insight from a unique group of experts who have made it their life's work to understand Iran. 

To access the report, click here.

... Payvand News - 8/11/08 ... --