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    Local news important for connecting community members, say panelists

    This is one of a series of articles and videos on the June 2017 conference “Is no local news bad news? Local journalism and its future” hosted by the Ryerson Journalism Research Centre. Watch the full conference panel below. To read more about the conference and local news, visit:  localnews.journalism.ryerson.ca. By JASMINE BALA Staff reporter Local news matters because it fosters debate, instigates major social change and connects community members, participants at a recent conference on the future of local news were told. “Does Local News Matter? Tales from the Trenches” offered four perspectives on the impact local journalism can…

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    Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is part of a journalist’s job, say panelists

    BY MADDIE BINNING Staff Reporter Young journalists – and even industry veterans – can feel uncomfortable reporting controversial stories on topics like race, gender and LGBT issues. Some may even shy away from reporting on these topics to avoid the social media blowback that could follow. But feeling uncomfortable while reporting on some communities and situations is part of being a good journalist, said Toronto Star investigative reporter Jim at the Ryerson Research Centre’s (RJRC) recent panel, “Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable.”  “If as a journalist you’re feeling comfortable all the time, you’re not doing good journalism,” said Rankin. “You should be able…