School of Journalism Welcomes Two New Instructors this Term

Martha Beach (external link)  ‘12 is a freelance fact-checker and editor for various publications, including Toronto Life, Maclean’s and 3 Magazine. Beach enjoys writing about education, health and lifestyle.

She is teaching JRN 317: Fact Checking and Accuracy this semester.

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What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I love studying yoga. I've done more than 500 hours of study in the philosophy and practice of different forms of yoga--restorative, hatha, yoga-for-seniors, prenatal, and more. I'm certified to teach yoga, but I prefer studying and practicing; teaching the classes wasn't for me. With two small kids at home, I don't have much time to devote to [my practice], but I haven't let it go.

How did you get your start in journalism?

I attended TMU with the idea that I wanted to be a magazine editor. In my final year, I did the Review, where my role was head of research. It turned out that I really liked the meticulous process of fact-checking: it came down to organization, critical thinking, and verification.

When I graduated, I started doing freelance FC gigs with Today's Parent. The editors there often passed my name along to other publications and editors. I slowly built up a solid freelance career through word-of-mouth and networking. I dabbled in writing, back-end WordPress stuff, and proofing and copy-editing. But I've always stuck with fact-checking.

Going full freelance can take time, so for many years I was also a dog-walker, nanny, barista, and yard cleaner -- sometimes all at the same time. I let the side jobs go over the years. Now, I focus on checking, and I love getting to work on all sorts of different topics, projects, and talking to new people about things they're passionate about.

What knowledge do you hope your students leave the course with?

I hope students leave with the skills to think critically about how information is presented and how to ensure that it's correct, from an objective viewpoint.

How does it feel to now be teaching in the same program you graduated from?

It feels like a very circular path. Having instructors who actively worked in the field was one of the aspects I liked best about studying at TMU.

At the start of the semester, I walked into the building to pick up my OneCard and get some tech lessons, and it felt very familiar, so I am really looking forward to being there weekly.

Walid Batrawi (external link)  is an award-winning Palestinian media practitioner and trainer. With over two decades of experience across TV, radio, print and online, he has worked as a country director in Palestine with BBC Media Action. Previously, he worked as the deputy chief of party for Internews Network in Palestine and a trainer/coach with the Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ).

He is an instructor for JRN 851: Newsroom masthead - On The Record.

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What is an interesting fact about yourself?

The European Union and the International Federation of Journalists named me the winner of the 2003 Natali Prize for excellence in reporting democracy and human rights in the category of the Arab World, Iran and Israel.

Where did you get your start in journalism?

I started my work in journalism on 16 January 1991, one day before the Gulf War. I began as an Arabic, English and Russian translator for foreign journalists visiting the Palestinian Occupied Territories and Israel.

Later, I developed my journalistic skills, starting with working as a cameraman, then as a freelance producer/fixer for CBC, BBC and ABC Australia. I then joined BBC Arabic Service radio as a correspondent in the West Bank. When Al-Jazeera English was launched, I worked for them as a correspondent in the West Bank.

A moment in your career you’re proud of?

I can say I am proud of my entire career; however, there are a few moments when I am extremely proud.

It’s when one of my trainees or students approaches me, saying that because of my training, they have become professional journalists and advanced in their careers.

What are you looking forward to the most this school year?

To sail this new experience with my colleagues and students. This is a great opportunity that TMU gave me, and I look forward to achieving the objectives of the course I am teaching, helping students to pursue their careers in journalism.