Free half-day training session helps journalists covering the midterms
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU Reed College of Media, Society of Professional Journalists, and the Google News Initiative are partnering to host “Covering and Protecting Your Elections,” a free half-day training session for journalists covering the midterms.
The event is set for Friday, Oct. 19 from 1 p.m. to – 5 p.m. on the WVU Morgantown Downtown Campus, Martin Hall, Room 205.
Here are important links:
— Event page: https://www.spj.org/election18-morgantown.asp
— Registration page: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXbMU1wFjqCoCuappkbjovDeNvE-0whBqAo2r1AXJbi473Jg/viewform
Eric Minor, director of Student Careers and Opportunities at the Reed College of Media, provided the following information:
During election season, misleading news reports can sway opinions. Digital attacks can take important websites offline, silencing information when voters need it most. Journalists need access to accurate information, and a clear understanding of how to break down complicated topics with data. These are areas where Google tools and workflows can provide real value.
The SPJ Training Program, in association with the Google News Initiative, is offering free training on a wide range of Google tools and workflows that can help you engage your audience, research and report information around the elections, and use data visualizations in powerful new ways.
What will be covered:
Verification & Fact Checking
This workshop will show you time-saving methods to verify the authenticity and accuracy of images, videos and reports that you find in social media and elsewhere online. With content developed in collaboration with First Draft News, this workshop will assist in tools and workflows to help verify questionable content, so that you don’t fall for hoaxes, rumors and misinformation — especially in the important election periods.
Safety & Security
Safety and security online is important for all users, but especially for journalists in the field conducting sensitive, difficult, and sometimes dangerous reporting. According to a recent study of more than 2,700 newsroom managers and journalists from 130 countries, at least half of those surveyed don’t use any tools or methods to protect their data and information online. Attend this workshop to learn how to protect yourself and your news organization from hacking, phishing, malware, other digital attacks and censorship — for the upcoming election season and beyond.
Data Journalism
This workshop will help you unlock the powerful world of data journalism to tell deep, insightful stories. You’ll learn to find, analyze, interpret and visualize data in compelling new ways — and help your audience gain a deeper understanding of election data and campaigns.
Journalism Ethics
The Society of Professional Journalists believes ethical journalism ensures the free exchange of information that is accurate and fair. This workshop will highlight important principles that are the foundation of ethical journalism while encouraging their use by all people in all media — during election season and every day.
Get more information and full event details at https://www.spj.org/election18-morgantown.asp
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXbMU1wFjqCoCuappkbjovDeNvE-0whBqAo2r1AXJbi473Jg/viewform
