Spokane Watchdog Workshop
Host: Gonzaga University
IRE is bringing its highly rated Better Watchdog Workshop to Spokane.
We’ll offer several of our core sessions that will improve your ability to find information on the Web quickly, point you to key documents that will help you produce quick-hit enterprise stories and give you tips on the best approaches when conducting interviews or developing sources.
In addition, this workshop will give you tips on how to bulletproof stories, how to deal with freedom of information laws and public records, and useful Web sites and strategies for using Internet tools such as wikis, blogs, robots and RSS feeds.
These sessions are designed for reporters, editors and producers from small, midsize and large publications and TV stations and Web-only news sites and news blogs. Join IRE’s experienced trainers and a group of veteran reporters for our Better Watchdog Workshop March 3.
Expected speakers include Michael Berens of The Seattle Times, David Cay Johnston of Thomson Reuters and Megan Luther of IRE. We'll add more speakers as they are confirmed. Get the tools and the tricks of the trade that you need to be a better, faster, watchdog journalist.
Optional Computer-Assisted Reporting Training
Sun., March 4, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Attend this hands-on workshop and learn how to use Excel, a powerful electronic spreadsheet for deadline and beat reporting on budgets, salaries, and election data. Also learn how to dig deeper using the Internet and find valuable datasets for your stories. Class size is limited; register early to reserve a seat on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking Information:
Parking will be available both days of the workshop at no charge to participants. There is a parking lot adjacent to Jepson Center.
Recommended Hotels:
Courtyard by Marriott, 401 N. Riverpoint Blvd. Across the river from Gonzaga. Accessible by crossing the adjacent bridge. Ask for the Gonzaga discount when making reservations.
The Oxford Suites, 115 W. North River Drive. Just west of campus.
Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post Street. Located downtown about 1.5 miles from campus. Ask for the Gonzaga discount when making reservations.
PDF Registration
Use this PDF registration form to register on site. On-site registrations are accepted if space is available: bring completed registration form and payment.
Please note: You must be a current IRE member to register online. If you are not a current IRE member, please register via the PDF registration form.
Time and place
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Gonzaga University
502 East Boone Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99528
Registration information
Registration for this event is open! Click here to begin.
Hurry! Registration closes on Friday, Feb. 24 at 5 p.m..
Schedule details
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Panel
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Panel
Investigating the economy
Making sense of dollars-and-cents issues in a turbulent economy. Digging deep and providing context on issues such as unemployment, collective bargaining, taxes and corporations. Tips on documents, data and sources.
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Panel
The art of the interview
Learn the best ways to approach sources, prepare and handle the interview process. Advice for conducting video interviews for your Web site. Plenty of tips and strategies for handling tough situations, ethical trouble-spots, etc.
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Panel
Digging deeper with data and documents
Move beyond anecdotes and he-said, she-said journalism with data and documents. Advice on developing a documents state of mind, navigating public records, understanding records retention schedules, exploring key records on a variety of beats, and becoming familiar with key national data sets to produce high-impact local stories.
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Panel
FOI/Open Records
How to use federal and state laws. How to write an open records request the right way. How to appeal and challenge denials. How to keep a steady flow of information and ideas coming into the newsroom by using FOI.
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Panel
Generating story ideas
Helpful tips on what to look for to make a great investigative story. From finding the right idea to researching and digging to successfully see the story through.
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Panel
Effective use of the Internet
What reporters and editors need to know. From better search techniques to the invisible Web, how to find documents and databases on deadline and where to find reliable Web sites for enterprise stories. The craft of better searching and not wasting time. Handling issues of credibility and ethics online.
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Panel
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Hands-on
Optional Computer-Assisted Reporting Training
Attend this hands-on workshop and learn how to use Excel, a powerful electronic spreadsheet for deadline and beat reporting on budgets, salaries, and Census data. Also learn how to dig deeper using the Internet and find valuable datasets for your stories. Class size is limited; register early to reserve a seat on a first-come, first-served basis.
NOTE: Registration is required for this session. Click here to sign up.