Jana Simović, currently based in Chicago, is a Serbian-American journalist and documenter who works with various forms of multimedia.
In her reporting work, she has documented the importance of community-centered work and initiatives surrounding topics such as climate change, environmental issues, food systems, cultural identities, music scenes, art and much more through a storytelling narrative. During her free time she freelances, walks dogs, cooks her grandmother’s recipes, recycles music, collects print media as well as historical archive material.
As a primarily self-taught photographer, she aims to capture stories through as many formats as possible; as a way to pursue transparency, accuracy and beauty all while trying to reach a larger audience.
She holds a BA Degree in Journalism and Documentary Studies from DePaul University, and is currently in the process of completing an MA in the same program by 2025 with a concentration in Data Journalism.
She works as the Managing Editor of 14 East Magazine and a Documenter for City Bureau. She was formerly the Website News Director at Radio DePaul and completed an internship as an Investigative Reporting Intern at the solutions-based newsroom, Illinois Answers Project (the Better Government Association) in 2024.
She is also the creator of Censorship Now, a music-focused radio show and long-form project focused on “censoring the mainstream.” Through Censorship Now’s newsletter she explores the importance of local and underground cultures and communities; focusing on their evolving significance in the past, present and future.
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.