Ayman Mohyeldin, Al Jazeera English reporter, discuss “the power of social media and citizen journalism in shaping contemporary events"

U.S. Embassy Baghdad invites journalists to attend a webchat on Tuesday 29 March from 3-4:00 and hear speaker, Ayman Mohyeldin, discuss “the power of social media and citizen journalism in shaping contemporary events.”  Mohyeldin observed firsthand the Egyptian revolution, was briefly arrested by the Egyptian military at Tahreer Square, and has been an innovator in incorporating social media into his reporting.  His Twitter feed has nearly 32,000 followers.  He spent two years in Iraq (2003-2005) as a foreign news producer with CNN and now lives in Cairo where he is a leading correspondent for Al-Jazeera English.  He has written stories from the Gaza Strip, Libya, and Mecca, and has been nominated for the prestigious Emmy award.  He has a BA and MA from The American University in Washington, D.C.

This is the first in a series of webchats tied to World Press Freedom Day in May.  Using the CO.NX platform, the only thing needed to participate is a computer with an internet connection and a large screen.  The Department of State may be able to provide a Facebook plug-in allowing streaming over Facebook.  Guests may enter the chat at the following locations (and log on as “Baghdad”):