Hello
Hello! My name is Justin Fiacconi, I’m a multimedia journalist from Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. Currently based in the nation’s capital, I have the passion and skill set for producing hard-hitting and impactful journalism.
About Me
To say that there was ‘one shining moment’ when I knew I wanted to become a journalist would be slightly inaccurate. In truth, I’ve always been driven by curiosity and the desire to tell stories and uncover truths; it’s part of who I am. I may no longer wander around my childhood home with a notepad interviewing family members about the missing piece of cake that just so happened to have my name on it, but I have always had an insatiable desire to get to the bottom of things.
For me, understanding why something happened is an instinctual impulse reinforced by stubborn persistence. My affinity to be constantly learning is a significant reason why I’ve pursued degree's in both political science and international affairs, and am on the verge of completing the Master of Journalism program at Carleton University. My ultimate goal is to become a well-respected international journalist whose books, articles, and documentaries have inspired positive change in an increasingly complex world.
Thus far, I’ve developed an expansive multimedia skill set, which I’ve put to good use while working on a podcast deep within the Kintampo forest in Ghana for Farm Radio International and during an internship with the CBC’s Parliamentary Bureau. I’ve also been an editor and podcast host for iAffairs Canada, on top of having current affairs bylines with CBC, Canada's National Observer, the Ottawa Citizen and Capital Current. Beyond my experience in journalism, I’ve been a Senior Research Analyst with Public Governance International and gained over four years of experience as an Editorial Research Assistant within post-secondary institutions, including contributing to the Charity Insights Canada Project.​​​
I believe that good journalism doesn’t just inform but inspires people into action; to right some wrong, fight some fight, or speak out against some injustice. From the reporting on the Arab Spring, to the Catalonian independence referendum in 2017, to the Uyghurs in China, and the human rights abuses of migrant workers in Qatar, I
find myself both compelled and inspired by those courageous enough to tell truthful stories amid tragedy,
conflict, and injustice.
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My main focus lies at the intersection of international sports and global politics. I am particularly interested in stories where powerful state and/or non-state actors disturb the sanctity of sporting contests for their own personal, political, or economic gain. Sporting events have a unique ability to unite people from all walks of life. We find commonality, solidarity, friendship – and heartbreak if you're a Toronto Maple Leafs fan like I am, in the pursuit of something bigger than ourselves. I believe we need more journalism that exposes instances where the spirit of sport is sacrificed for the benefit of the powerful.
More generally, I like to write about human rights, elections, corruption, secessionist movements, geopolitical conflict, nationalisms, and human security. As a graduate of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, I combine expertise in global affairs with journalistic flair and rigour. I am someone you can count on for high-quality journalism, in all forms, that inspires change, shines a spotlight, and holds power to account.