Will Grant, Cuba correspondent, BBC (2018 Journalist in Residence)
Demystifying: Reporting in Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela
Thursday, May 3, 4–5 p.m., 141 Allen Hall
Will Grant is one of the UK’s leading broadcast journalists on Latin American affairs. He has been the BBC’s Correspondent in Cuba since late 2014, shortly before the announcement of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties with the United States. In that time he has covered such historic moments as President Obama’s ground-breaking visit to Cuba and the death of the founder of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.
Before taking up his role in Cuba, he was the BBC Correspondent in Venezuela under Hugo Chavez and Mexico / Central America during some of the most violent years of the drug war. Will was previously the Americas Editor at the BBC World Service Radio, based in London and Miami and has covered the region extensively for over twenty years.
In this talk, Grant will discuss being a journalist in Venezuela, Mexico and Cuba, three of the countries that have forged the biggest headlines in Latin America over the past decade.
Each country is different. Yet for reporters, there are certain similarities that can help us to produce informed, objective and balanced journalism in these fascinating nations. Whether dealing with political pressure from hostile authorities or having an awareness of personal security issues, understanding how to operate in the region can only strengthen the rich tradition of storytelling from Latin America as a whole.
Will Grant graduated with First Class Honours from Edinburgh University and gained his Masters degree from the University of London’s Institute of Latin American Studies.
Currently based in Havana, Will Grant will be a 2018 SOJC Journalist in Residence. He will be on campus: meeting with students and faculty Tuesday, May 1, through Friday, May 4.