Welcome
My name is Jana Simović, I am a bilingual Serbian-American journalist that works with various forms of multimedia, data and public records to tell stories across platforms.
In my reporting work, I have covered and investigated the importance of community-centered work and initiatives surrounding topics such as climate change, environmental issues, public safety, food systems, cultural identities and music scenes through a storytelling narrative.
As a journalist, I aim to purposefully use multimedia such as photography and data visuals to making information approachable in order to engage audiences and promote accountability. As a primarily self-taught photographer, I use the medium to capture stories through as many formats as possible; as a way to pursue transparency, accuracy and beauty.
I currently work as a freelance reporter as well as fact-checker for the non-profit journalism lab, City Bureau.
When I am not working, I spend time cooking my grandmother’s recipes, biking while listening to recycled music, collecting print media, listening to strangers’ stories and planning my next trip.
Welcome
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I hold a Master of Arts degree in Data Journalism as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Documentary Studies, both from DePaul University in Chicago.
Journalist Statement:
There is an undeniable power in reading, hearing and seeing someone's personal accounts when telling a story. Whether it’s a mother explaining why she chooses to cook a particular dish on specific holidays, a senior citizen expressing his gratitude for having a food pantry to visit weekly or a college student placing their education on the frontline to protest for a cause they believe in; these are the kinds of anecdotes and experiences that have the power to elicit emotions which are far more powerful than a, let's say, institution's bureaucratic statement. Additionally, when paired with elements like photography and audio, their potential to inform, highlight solutions and bring positive change becomes unparalleled.
I have a fascination with nostalgia, simply in terms of asking questions that are framed by historical narratives as well as possible future solutions and narratives that illustrate potential room for improvement and change. This has inevitably made my reporting gravitate to community-oriented and human-centered journalism that analyzes the roles of local and underground communities, food systems and their role within a variety of cultures as well as the politics that are found within art and everyday life.
I believe that good journalism starts with a reporter's transparency which consists of a genuine approach starting from acknowledging my background that may inevitably contribute to natural biases — whether it is the languages I speak, experiences I’ve had, or interests I hold. I believe that acknowledging my reporting role from the perspective of being a member of the public contributes to my ability to cover a wide variety of topics, issues and narratives; something that I continue to build upon every day.
- Jana Simović
To contact for work and anything else, please visit the Contact tab.
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