Stanis Elsborg

The hard truth about inclusion and diversity in journalism

Join us for a vital conversation on inclusion and diversity in journalism as Stanis Elsborg engages with Shireen Ahmed, a prominent journalist with CBC Sports Canada, and Nana aba Duncan, associate professor and Carty Chair in Journalism, Diversity and Inclusion Studies
Carleton University, Canada.

Shireen Ahmed is a journalist with CBC Sports in Canada, known for her insightful reporting and advocacy for inclusion and diversity in sports journalism. She brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on how diverse voices can enhance sports coverage.

Nana aba Duncan is an award-winning journalist, media executive and journalism professor. Her motivation has always been to enrich Canadian media by empowering diverse perspectives. Her mission is to foster a new environment in Canada’s journalism industry in which Indigenous, Black and racialized journalists at all stages of their careers feel psychologically safe and can take for granted the legitimacy and worthiness of their perspectives and communities.

Stanis Elsborg is a senior analyst at Play the Game, an initiative promoting democracy, transparency, and freedom of expression in world sport since 1997. Together, Stanis and Shireen will delve into pressing questions about the a diverse representation in newsrooms, the gaps in journalism’s current approach to diversity, and the impact of these shortcomings on storytelling and content quality.

Key discussion points include:

• Personal experiences of inclusion and exclusion based on ethnicity or religion within the newsroom.
• Specific challenges and successes encountered along the way.
• The missed opportunities in journalism due to a lack of strategic focus on inclusion and diversity.
• How the absence of diverse perspectives shapes the narratives and overall quality of journalistic content.

Be part of this eye-opening session that challenges the status quo and aims to redefine the future of journalism through meaningful inclusion. 

NB: Ligesom programteksten, så er er denne session er på engelsk

How should world sport and journalists react to Saudi Arabia’s engagement in world sport?

As journalists and media professionals, understanding the complexities of Saudi Arabia’s expanding influence in global sports is more critical than ever. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion moderated by Jeppe Laursen Brock, featuring insights from Lina Alhathoul and Stanis Elsborg, as we explore how journalism can navigate and respond to these developments.

Lina Alhathoul, a Saudi-born human rights advocate and head of monitoring and advocacy at ALQST for Human Rights, an independent NGO dedicated to defending and advancing human rights in Saudi Arabia. She is the sister of renowned activist Loujain Alhathloul, who is known for her pivotal role in advocating for women's rights in Saudi Arabia. Lina’s expertise and activism, including her co-authorship of the book “Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers,” provide a powerful lens through which to examine Saudi Arabia’s controversial sports investments.

Stanis Elsborg, a senior analyst at Play the Game, has spent over a decade exploring how authoritarian regimes leverage sports to further their political agendas. His latest work offers an extensive analysis of Saudi Arabia’s sports strategy and the key players behind it. Recognized with the Gerlev Award in 2022 for his innovative and critical approach to sports culture, Stanis continues to challenge the established sports-political order through his critical insights.

Jeppe Laursen Brock, an award-winning investigative journalist from Politiken, will moderate the session. Known for his in-depth reporting on the darker sides of sports, including doping scandals and Football Leaks, Jeppe brings a critical lens to the discussion.

Discussion topics will include:

• The extent of Saudi Arabia's recent foray into the sports world.
• The implications of massive sports investments by Saudi Arabia and other autocratic regimes: is sport compromising its core social and cultural values?
• The critical role of journalism in connecting broader human rights issues to Saudi Arabia’s sports strategy.
• How should sports and journalism navigate the growing involvement of Middle Eastern countries in global sports?
• Are human rights concerns overshadowing other significant issues or potential positives related to Saudi Arabia’s sports investments?
• Does the journalistic community possess adequate understanding of the intersection between human rights, soft power, and sports?

Join us for an in-depth exploration of these pivotal issues that are reshaping the landscape of world sport and journalism.

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