The International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Italy, this year (as always) brought together senior journalists and other experts in communications to discuss the biggest issues and events facing the media.

I followed about a dozen sessions on data journalism.  Most panelists agreed that data is an increasingly valuable "source" of information. Read my round-up here:

(First published on Umbria Radio, 4 May 2014)

Nelson Mandela's memorial in South Africa has been attended by his family, dignitaries and thousands of mourners.

The four-hour long service paid tribute to the anti-apartheid icon's life.

Mr Mandela -- known affectionately as Madiba -- was remembered through prayer, a series of eulogies, music and dance.

Ildi Amon reports.

The following piece was published 23 December 2013, SBS World News Australia Radio.

By Ildi Amon
Melbourne

Negotiators had hoped to finalise what could be the world's biggest free trade agreement by the end of 2013. 

But a number of issues remain and talks on the so-called Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement will resume in 2014.

And in Australia, at least, there have been growing calls for the talks to be more transparent, with fears the agreement could have some negative implications.

Ildi Amon reports.

The following piece was published 23 December 2013, SBS World News Australia Radio.

By Ildi Amon
Melbourne

Upcoming European Parliament elections have triggered concerns about the growing prominence of hard-right political parties in a number of European countries.

Some analysts say growing euroscepticism is pushing some voters to the right, and say it could even be a precursor to the demise of the so-called European project.

With elections due in May 2014, the policies of the far-right European parties are under increasing scrutiny.

Ildi Amon prepared this report.

The following piece was published 19 December 2013, SBS World News Australia Radio.

By Ildi Amon
Melbourne

Deadly clashes between rival army factions are spreading in South Sudan, leaving hundreds feared dead or injured.

The fighting pits troops loyal to President Salva Kiir against soldiers who support his former vice president, Riek Machar.

Ildi Amon has details.

The following piece was published December 2013, SBS World News Australia Radio.

By Ildi Amon
Melbourne

2013 has brought no let-up in the debate among Australia's politicians about whether humans are causing climate change.

Scientists continue to issue warnings about global warming, with some saying the world's already feeling its effects.

This year, floods and fires in Australia and a super typhoon in the Philippines that killed thousands have prompted some world leaders to point to disasters as grim reminders of the potential dangers.

Ildi Amon reports.

The following piece was published 10 November 2013, SBS World News Australia Radio.

By Ildi Amon
Melbourne

A super typhoon that's ravaged parts of the Philippines is estimated to have killed thousands of people.

And the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed at least one Australian is among those who've died.

But while aid agencies and government authorities scramble to assist millions of people who've been left stranded or whose homes have been destroyed, authorities fear the death toll could rise as they reach more isolated areas.

And Typhoon Haiyan's destruction was set to continue as the storm headed to Vietnam.

Ildi Amon reports.

The following piece was published 14 November 2013, SBS World News Australia Radio.

By Ildi Amon
Melbourne

The world body charged with promoting human rights and international law has itself been accused of violating the ideals it serves to promote.

United Nations personnel have been linked to instances of war crimes, sex offences, and torture.

And accusations that the UN caused a cholera epidemic that's killed thousands of people in Haiti have again focused attention on the international organisation's legal immunity.

Ildi Amon reports.

The following piece was published 21 October 2013, SBS World News Australia Radio.

By Ildi Amon
Melbourne

Should the United Nations be held legally accountable for the deaths of thousands of people from a cholera epidemic in Haiti?

 That's the question at the centre of a claim filed in a United States court.

It alleges the UN caused the cholera outbreak because of a lack of proper sanitation at camps used by peacekeepers it sent into Haiti from Nepal.

Ildi Amon reports.

The following piece was published 15 October 2013, SBS World News Australia Radio.

By Ildi Amon
Melbourne

In a report last month, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded it was more certain than ever that humans were responsible for global warming. 

That report focused mainly on the science of climate change, rather than on what to do about it.

Now, the Panel is working on a report on climate change impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation, due for release in March.

And, as Ildi Amon reports, a leaked draft of that report by the Panel outlines a sobering set of challenges faced by Australia.

The following piece was published 1 October 2013, SBS World News Australia Radio.

By Ildi Amon
Melbourne

Syria's neighbours, now home to millions of Syrian refugees, say they are no longer coping with the influx of people from the war-torn country.

Speaking at a meeting of the United Nations refugee agency, they have pled for more financial assistance and for other countries to take a greater share of the refugees.

And the Australian president of the UN Security Council says it hopes last week's consensus on Syria's chemical weapons can lead to a joint statement on increasing aid to those still in Syria.

The flurry of activity on Syria comes as the United Nations estimates the conflict has left more than 100,000 dead -- so far.

Ildi Amon reports.

The following piece was published 18 September 2013, SBS World News Australia Radio.

By Ildi Amon
Melbourne

United Nations inspectors say chemical weapons have been used on a wide scale in the 30 month old Syrian conflict.

And they have concluded there's clear evidence sarin gas killed hundreds in one key attack near Damascus last month.

But the inspectors have not said who they think was responsible.

Ildi Amon reports.

The following piece was published 11 September 2013, SBS World News Australia Radio.

By Ildi Amon
Melbourne

Today marks the 12th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the United States with ceremonies around the US and elsewhere, including here in Australia.

The legacy of the attacks still remains a strong influences in counter-terrorism and foreign policy in many Western countries.

Ildi Amon reports.

The following piece was published 26 August 2013, SBS World News Australia Radio.

By Ildi Amon
Melbourne

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra has launched a new exhibition focusing on Australians in the Afghan war.

By the end of next year, Australian troops are due to be withdrawn from Afghanistan, along with those of other members of the US-led coalition fighting Taliban militants.

But with the war still underway, the Australian War Memorial in Canberra has launched a new exhibition that showcases the experiences of thousands of Australian military personnel who have served in it.

Ildi Amon reports.