Kesterton Lecture
Wilfred Kesterton was a Saskatchewan-born newspaperman and Second World War veteran when he became one of the earliest graduates of Carleton’s new Bachelor of Journalism program in 1949. His newspaper background and exceptional academic achievements led to his appointment, upon graduation, as the School of Journalism’s second full-time faculty member.
A leading figure at the School for 40 years, Kesterton specialized in media law and journalism history. He published important studies in both areas, including his seminal 1967 History of Journalism in Canada.
The Kesterton Lecture, Carleton Journalism’s signature annual public event, honours his pioneering contribution to journalism education in this country.
23rd Annual Kesterton - 2023
The Truth We Need for the World We Want
Toronto Star owner, Jordan Bitove, on the critical role of journalism in supporting our democracy, and the importance of supporting Canadian owned and operated media
22nd Annual Kesterton - 2022
Black on the Prairies: A Journalistic Voyage
CBC News Senior Reporter Omayra Issa on how to journalistically place Black people’s experiences at the center of the Prairie narratives
21st Annual Kesterton - 2020
Reporting from the edge: journalists, trauma and personal security
Foreign correspondent, host and producer Sheila MacVicar on the growing challenges facing journalists reporting from the edge.
Read about the event, watch the video
20th Annual Kesterton - 2019
Seeing/Saying: Journalism, Indigeneity and Hard Truths
Journalist and author Tanya Talaga on the deaths of seven Indigenous students in Thunder Bay, and the role journalism should play.
19th Annual Kesterton - 2018
Taking Sides: Journalists, Sources and Crossing the Line
CBC correspondent, author and host Carol Off on balancing relationships between journalists and sources.
18th Annual Kesterton - 2017
Journalism: Into the Future
CBC News Chief Correspondent Peter Mansbridge on the essential nature of excellent journalism.
17th Annual Kesterton - 2016
Spotlight on Journalism
The Washington Post‘s Marty Baron in conversation with CBC’s Robyn Bresnahan
16th Annual Kesterton - 2015
Saving journalism one exposé at a time: How investigative journalism is turning people on again
The Toronto Star‘s Kevin Donovan on how to get people to care about journalism
15th Annual Kesterton - 2014
What falls from the sky: predicting the future in the Arab World
The CBC’s Nahlah Ayed on reporting from the Middle East.
14th Annual Kesterton - 2013
Notes from a Changing China
The Globe and Mail‘s Mark MacKinnon on his time as the Beijing correspondent
