The University of Canterbury’s (UC) new Media Innovation Lab is set to give journalists time, funding and expert support to develop ambitious new forms of public-interest storytelling.
The Media Innovation Lab will initially offer two 12-week journalist residencies each year, funded through a $50,000 contribution from the Acland Foundation.
One of the lab’s founders, Media and Communication Professor Donald Matheson says the media and society are changing rapidly, and news professionals often lack the time and resources needed for in-depth, experimental journalism.
“We started this lab to support journalists to bring their creative thinking and ideas for new projects to fruition,” he says.
“The lab helps to share innovative ideas and technology with industry, while practically supporting industry and giving individual journalists a chance to do some creative blue skies work.”
Professor Matheson says unlike many media labs focused on developing technology or commercial products, UC’s lab will work alongside newsrooms to support experimental storytelling, use technology for social good and strengthen connections with communities.
In September, UC will welcome The Press senior journalist, Charlie Mitchell, as its first journalist in residence. Mitchell will develop a digital publication exploring the interconnected cultural, environmental and social story of Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most culturally and ecologically significant lakes.
Professor Matheson says one of the big challenges for the media has been a technological challenge, with audiences moving into other media such as AI and social media.
“Technological innovation will be part of the solution, and it’s a big part of the lab,” he says.
UC Executive Dean Arts Professor Kevin Watson says the need for trusted, compelling stories that help us understand the world has never been greater.
“UC’s Media Innovation Lab creates a place where leading practitioners, researchers and students can develop new approaches to public storytelling,” he said.
“We are excited to share UC’s advanced technology facilities and offer journalists access to technical support. As the Media Innovation Lab develops it will give our students opportunities to build stronger connections with leading professionals, helping them prepare for a future in the changing media sector.”
