Economics for Journalists

Hone your economic reporting skills

Our economics seminars for journalists will give you a greater understanding of economics and help you write about Canadian and world issues with more clarity and confidence.

Many of today’s issues, such as health care, income inequality, the environment, and foreign aid, have economic implications. This program will improve your understanding of economics so you'll be more adept at analyzing the policies proposed by politicians and advocacy groups, and the public’s response to these policies. You'll gain practical tools, know which questions to ask, and be able to write about current events from a different angle.

In 2012, we successfully launched a revised program that focused on teaching basic economic principles and how they relate to journalism. The feedback from journalists was overwhelmingly positive—for the past three years, 100% of attendees agreed that the program was intellectually stimulating and that they had gathered useful information they would use in their careers.

For the second year in a row, we will be holding two seminars, one in Vancouver and one in Toronto:

Economics for Journalists - Vancouver Program
May 28-31, 2015

Economics for Journalists - Toronto Program
June 4-7, 2015

Both programs will feature the same facilitators and content, and will explain common economic terms and highlight the practical application of the "economic way" of thinking throughout. Through lectures, simulations, and discussions, two experienced economics professors will demonstrate how economics can be used to better understand the world around us, and provide real, relevant examples from Canadian society.

Topics covered include:

• Labour markets
• National debt
• Government budgets/spending
• Numbers in the newsroom: GDP, CPI, the unemployment rate
• Economic freedom
• International trade
• Monetary policy

Economic concepts covered include:

• Opportunity costs
• Property rights
• Unintended consequences
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Marginal decision-making
• Supply and demand

This graduate seminar-style program is open to journalists from TV, radio, print, and new media, from across Canada, and allows journalists to look at important issues through an economic lens as well as engage in a forum of learning, questioning, and critical analysis. Full bursaries are available to cover all program costs including travel, accommodation, conference tuition, materials, and included meals. The application deadline is February 27, 2015 at 5:00 pm (PST). Applicants can indicate on their application form which conference they would prefer to attend.

For more information, please contact Claire Jones at claire.jones@fraserinstitute.org or 1-800-665-3558 ext 526.