Watchdog Workshop

Raleigh/Durham, N.C. — Nov. 7-8, 2009

Hosted by Duke University

IRE is bringing its highly rated Better Watchdog Workshop to Raleigh/Durham, N.C. Join our experienced trainers and a group of veteran reporters for our Better Watchdog Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 7, with an extra half-day of hands-on computer-assisted reporting training on Sunday, Nov. 8 for those who are interested.

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.

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

Registration

Professional journalists: $50; Students $25. Fees include a 1-year IRE membership.

  • Online registration has closed. Please print out a copy of the PDF registration form and register at the workshop.
  • Download a form (PDF)

Cancellation policy: Cancellations must be sent via e-mail to Amy Johnston, amy@ire.org. There is a $20 processing fee for professionals and $10 for students for cancellations until the day before the event. A $15 cancellation fee applies to the CAR training. Refunds will not be given for cancellations on the day of, or after, the event.

Optional Computer-Assisted Reporting Training

Attend this hands-on workshop and learn how to use Excel spreadsheets for deadline and beat reporting on budgets, salaries, and Census data. Also learn how to dig deeper using the Internet and find valuable datasets for your stories.

This optional session is Sunday, Nov. 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: $30 (in addition to workshop registration). Seating is limited to 20 people. Advance registration is required.

Workshop Location

  • Duke University
  • Sanford School of Public Policy
  • Sanford Building – corner of Science Drive and Towerview Road
  • Durham, NC
  • Campus map & directions

  • Saturday training: Sanford Building Room 03 and 04
  • Sunday CAR training: Sanford Building Computer Lab 09
  • Parking: Parking is available in the Sanford School lot, adjacent to the building.

Recommended hotels

  • Millennium Hotel
  • (about 1 mile to Sanford; shuttle service available)
  • 2800 Middleton Drive
  • Durham, NC 27705
  • 919-383-8575
  • Quality Inn & Suites
  • (about 3 miles to Sanford)
  • 3710 Hillsborough Road
  • Durham, NC 27705
  • 919-382-3388
  • Courtyard Durham
  • (about 3.5 miles to Sanford)
  • 1818 Front Street
  • Durham, NC 27705
  • 919-309-1500

Upcoming Watchdog Workshops

Sept. 24-25, 2010  Miami, Fla.
Sept. 25-26, 2010  San Francisco, Calif.
Oct. 9-10, 2010  Eugene, Ore.
Nov. 6-7, 2010  Charleston, W.V.


See all IRE and NICAR training

Sponsors

IRE thanks the following sponsors for supporting our Watchdog program: