2012 Fort Worth Watchdog Workshop
Host: Texas Christian University (TCU)
IRE is bringing its highly rated Watchdog Workshop to Fort Worth.
This training will offer several of our core session that will improve your ability to find information on the Web quickly, and point you to key documents and data that will help you add depth to your daily work and produce quick-hit enterprise stories. 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, TV, radio stations, Web-only news sites and news blogs. Freelancers, students and journalism educators are also encouraged to attend. Join IRE's experienced trainers and a group of veteran reporters for our Watchdog Workshop Fri., November 16.
Expected speakers include: Maud Beelman, The Dallas Morning News; Yamil Berard, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Scott Friedman, KXAS Dallas-Fort Worth; Mark Horvit, IRE; Ted Mellnik, The Washington Post and Eva Parks, KXAS Dallas-Fort Worth.
Get the tools and the tricks of the trade that you need to be a better, faster, watchdog journalist.
Optional Computer-Assisted Reporting Training
Sat., November 17, 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.
Parking (Friday)
Parking is available across the street from the Brown-Lipton University Union, in the parking lot adjacent to (left of) the Kelly Alumni Center. Pull into that lot and park anywhere, there is no fee.
Parking (Saturday)
Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Moudy Building, 2805 S. University Drive.
Campus Map
For a campus map, click here.
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
Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 - Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012
Texas Christian University (TCU)
2820 Stadium Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
Registration information
Registration for this event is open! Click here to begin.
Hurry! Registration closes on Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m..
Schedule details
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Panel
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Panel
Using the Web as an investigative tool
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.
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Panel
Quick hit investigations
Putting it all together in the real world, with a look at quick-turn watchdog stories that you can produce in your newsroom. Learn tips and tricks to offer the best coverage possible. We'll also look at creative angles for some new story ideas.
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Panel
Bulletproofing the story
Bringing a watchdog story from conception to completion. Making watchdog stories airtight with line-by-line editing.
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Panel
Jails, the courts and criminal justice
How to get an endless assortment of juicy, colorful watchdog stories by examining a much overlooked yet key player in the criminal justice system; the bail bond industry. How you can mine for watchdog stories in your local court system, from the criminal court to the municipal court.
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Panel
Using the census to cover your community
How to use census data to uncover trends in your community and state.
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Panel
Key documents and data for covering governments and business
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
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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, 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.