Drawing from our recent collaborative publication titled Ethnographic reporting meets engaged journalism and offers untapped resources in Facts and Frictions, Adam Gamwell and Emily Kennedy explore how journalism and anthropology have each undergone periods of reckoning—grappling with questions of representation, power, and the need to reimagine their relationships with the communities they study or report on. We'll reflect on surprising parallels in the histories of both fields, the resurgence of ethnographic methods in journalism, and the practical value of deep, community-driven research for newsrooms navigating turbulent social and technological change.

Join us as we explore how ethnography—a powerful research method from anthropology—is revolutionizing engaged journalism. Adam Gamwell (anthropologist and host) and Emily Kennedy (journalist, anthropologist, and founder of the Center for Anthropology and Journalism) dive into the real-world impact of blending journalism methods with community engagement and storytelling. Why does this matter? As the lines between journalism education, media innovation, and local news blur, understanding the tools that can empower newsroom strategy, cultural understanding, and meaningful representation in media is essential for anyone interested in the future of storytelling and reporting.

Key takeaways:

• Why the “ethnographic impulse” surges in times of social or industry upheaval 17:19
• How both fields are rethinking extractive practices and striving for true community engagement 09:06
• The business case for engaged journalism: connecting community engagement with audience growth and sustainable revenue 24:06
• The urgent questions posed by AI for researchers, journalists, and communities alike 21:25

Join us for Engage2026 - a two-day virtual conference for shaping the future of engagement journalism and ethnography—through shared learning, skills, and community.

Engage2026 is produced by the Centre for Anthropology and Journalism.


Emily Kennedy is the founder of the Center for Anthropology and Journalism and a leading voice in the intersection of ethnography and journalism. With a unique background spanning anthropology, journalism, and community-driven research, Emily brings real-world expertise from her work with journalism institutes, workshops, and published research bridging the gap between academic insight and practical newsroom innovation.


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