Connecticut Watchdog Workshop
Hosted by: Central Connecticut State University
Co-sponsored by: Connecticut Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, Central Connecticut State University Media Board, CCSU Journalism Program and CCSU Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists
IRE is bringing its highly rated Better Watchdog Workshop to Connecticut.
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 10.
Get the tools and the tricks of the trade that you need to be a better, faster, watchdog journalist.
Parking Information:
There is parking available in the Vance garage.
Recommended Hotels:
The Hampton Inn and Suites in Farmington
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.
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 10, 2012
Central Connecticut State University
1615 Stanley St.
New Britain, Connecticut 06050
Registration information
Registration for this event is open! Click here to begin.
Hurry! Registration closes on Friday, March 2 at 5 p.m..
Schedule details
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Panel
Welcome
Coffee and fruit will be provided to attendees
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Panel
Using the Web as an investigative tool
Speaker: Mark Horvit (IRE and NICAR )
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
The art of the interview and source development
Speaker: Andy Hall (Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism )
Learn the best ways to approach sources and to prepare and handle the interview itself. Plenty of tips and strategies for handling tough situations and ethical trouble-spots.
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Panel
Data and documents for every beat
Speaker: Mark Horvit (IRE and NICAR )
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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Special Event
Buffet luncheon
Buffet luncheon sponsored by CCSU's SPJ chapter, CCSU Media Board and CCSU Student Activities
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Panel
How to cover environmental issues on the fly
Speakers: Michael Hawthorne (Chicago Tribune ), Bob Miller (News-Times ), Jim Simon (Fairfield University ), Jan Ellen Spiegel (The Connecticut Mirror )
From major weather events to rising energy costs in municipal budgets, environmental issues are encroaching quickly into all reporters' beats. Panelists will give tips and tricks for the average reporter on how to quickly get up to speed on environmental issues, how to avoid common environmental reporting mistakes, and how to get the information you need.
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Panel
Getting all sides of the subject when covering Connecticut's changing energy landscape
Speakers: Mike Trahan (Solar consultant ), Lee Hoffman (Environmental attorney ), Joel Gordes (Energy consultant )
Connecticut lawmakers last year passed an aggressive energy bill that could poise the state to be a leader in alternative energy. This panel will discuss when covering the changing energy landscape, how to do it fairly by balancing government, industry and environmental interests.