2012 New Orleans Watchdog Workshop
Host: Loyola University
IRE is bringing its highly rated Watchdog Workshop to New Orleans.
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., December 7.
Expected speakers include: Steve Beatty, The Lens; Jaimi Dowdell, IRE; Manny Garcia, The Miami Herald; Byron Harris, WFAA-Dallas; Megan Luther, IRE; Loretta G. Mince, Fishman Haygood Phelps Walmsley Willis & Swanson, L.L.P.; Troy Thibodeaux, Associated Press; and Lee Zurik, WVUE-New Orleans.
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., December 8, 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.
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, Dec. 7, 2012 - Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012
Loyola University
6363 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
Registration information
Registration for this event is open! Click here to begin.
Hurry! Registration closes on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m..
Schedule details
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Panel
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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 inofrmation and ideas coming into the newsroom by using FOI.
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Panel
Finding and cultivating sources
Identifying who you need to know and how to get them to talk. How to get the best information and interviews through source development and interviewing techniques.
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Panel
The art of 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.
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Panel
The Web for investigations
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. From major sporting events to disasters, learn tips and story ideas to offer the best coverage possible.
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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.