Atkinson Foundation, Star link up to hire democracy reporter
For the second time in the newspaper’s history, the Toronto Star is working with the Atkinson Foundation to welcome a new beat reporter to the Star newsroom.
In her new role, journalist Sabrina Nanji will focus on democracy and democratic reform. “The democracy beat, given our times, is one of the most important new initiatives in this newsroom,” Star editor-in-chief Michael Cooke said. “The new beat will help hold democratic institutions to account and make Canada better by ensuring these stories are told.”
Under a one-year contract, Nanji will cover democratic institutions and civic engagement. The foundation oversees this project but the Star has day-to-day and editorial content control.
“How we create a society that works for everyone is a priority for Atkinson,” said Colette Murphy, the foundation’s executive director. “Indepth investigative articles on electoral and Senate reform, as well as citizen engagement, participation and innovation, are needed now more than ever.”
Nanji is a former labour relations reporter at Thomson Reuters and worked most recently at QP Briefing, where she covered Ontario politics and policy.
“Journalism, like philanthropy, is a public good.” Murphy said.
“We want citizens who don’t have special resources and power to have access to information, be visible and be able to participate fully in the decisions that affect them. Journalists and philanthropists have to work together to make sure this happens.”
Joining on Monday, Nanji said she is excited to tell stories that are important to understanding Canadian democratic institutions and ensuring that governments are transparent and accountable.
“I was naturally drawn to this position,” the Carleton University journalism graduate said. “It’s going to be really interesting to work on a beat that focuses on what makes democracy equitable and inclusive and the forces behind civic engagement.”
This is the second time the foundation, founded by Star publisher Joseph Atkinson in 1942, has created such an opportunity.
In October 2014, Sara Mojtehedzadeh joined the Toronto Star as the work and wealth reporter.