Events and Training » Events » Scranton Watchdog Workshop

Events and Training

Scranton Watchdog Workshop

Host:  University of Scranton

IRE is bringing its highly rated Watchdog Workshop to Scranton.

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 bulletproofing stories, digging deeper on the Web with social media, search engines and much more.  

These sessions are designed for reporters, editors and producers from small, midsize and large publications and TV and radio 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 September 15.

Get the tools and the tricks of the trade that you need to be a better, faster, watchdog journalist.

Expected speakers include Doug Haddix, Kiplinger Program/The Ohio State University; Mark Horvit, IRE/NICAR; Dave Janoski, The Citizens' Voice; and Tisha Thompson, WRC-Washington, D.C.  

Optional Computer-Assisted Reporting Training

Sun., September 16, 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, election data and more. 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.

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 registratoin form.

PDF Registration

Use this PDF registration form to send credit card orders by fax (573-882-5431), or mail the form with your check or credit card payment to IRE, 141 Neff Annex, MO School of Journalism, Columbia, MO 65211. On-site registrations are accepted if space is available: bring completed registration form and payment.


Time and place

Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 - Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012

University of Scranton
310 Madison Avenue
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510


Registration information

Registration for this event is open! Click here to begin.

Hurry! Registration closes on Friday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m..


Schedule details

  • Panel

    Welcome and overview of the workshop

    Pearn Auditorium in Brennan Hall

    9 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

  • 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-impace local stories.  

    Pearn Auditorium in Brennan Hall

    9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

  • 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 website.  Plenty of tips and strategies for handling tough situations, ethical trouble-spots, etc.

    Pearn Auditorium in Brennan Hall

    10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

  • 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. 

    Pearn Auditorium in Brennan Hall

    11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

  • 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 websites for enterprise stories.  The craft of better searching and not wasting time.  Handling issues of credibility and ethics online.  

    Pearn Auditorium in Brennan Hall

    1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

  • Panel

    Social media sleuthing

    Dive deeper with advanced techniques and strategies for backgrounding people and companies with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, FourSquare and geolocation services.  Explore new ways of connecting with your audience and showcasing your work with Pinterest and other social media sites.  

    Pearn Auditorium in Brennan Hall

    3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Panel

    It's not too late: Resources to help you with stories leading up to the election.

    This session will help kick up your election coverage as you roll into the home stretch.

     

     

    Pearn Auditorium in Brennan Hall

    4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Panel

    Wrapup/What IRE can do for you

    Pearn Auditorium in Brennan Hall

    5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

  • 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, election data and more.  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.

    102 Hyland Hall

    9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.