Apply for free IRE custom training by Jan. 9

IRE’s popular free custom training program is back for 2022. Spots in the program are limited and awarded on a competitive basis, and newsrooms must apply by Jan. 9.

The Total Newsroom Training (TNT) program brings an IRE trainer to selected newsrooms for two days of training on investigative and data reporting techniques, including hands-on data skills training — all at no cost. Training is customized for each newsroom and can include public records, social media sleuthing, and other sessions from IRE’s custom training menu.

The program is meant to help small- to medium-size news organizations improve the depth of their coverage. Preference will be given to newsrooms in rural areas and smaller cities, smaller newsrooms in large markets, and newsrooms founded and run by those coming from and serving historically marginalized communities. 

Newsrooms can decide whether their training is delivered virtually or in person as pandemic conditions permit. The newsroom must be committed to allowing a significant portion of its staff and management to attend the full two days of training and track their progress after the training. 

Since 2013, the TNT program has provided free training for 65 newsrooms around the U.S. 

“We hear from newsroom management and journalists seeking training that financial barriers get in the way of acquiring the tools and tactics they need to produce better watchdog stories,” said Francisco Vara-Orta, IRE’s director of diversity and inclusion. “The TNT program aims to create greater equity in what IRE offers by providing access to training that some newsrooms haven’t always had, which is vital in an era of local news deserts impacting our democracy.” 

The deadline for applications is Jan. 9. The application form must be filled out by the editor, news director or equivalent.

For more information, view the TNT program page or contact Vara-Orta at francisco@ire.org