Monthly Archives: September 2016

Who Is – And Who Is Not – A “Public Figure”

It’s always been a tricky issue for reporters, and there’s plenty of grey area. In the so-called “Rolling Stone” trial regarding allegations of a sexual assault at the University of Virginia, and a Rolling Stone article about the case, the judge has ruled that a University official is, in this instance, a public figure.

This concise summary at the WBA Newsroom site explains how Wisconsin law works regarding who is and who isn’t a public figure. It’s something every reporter should be aware of.

Posted by Tim Morrissey

Could Your Newsroom Host An International Journalist During Election Season?

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) is organizing the 2016 General Election Embed Program and would like to invite you to participate by hosting two international journalists at your newsroom from October 30, 2016 to November 8, 2016.

These journalists come from the following countries: Russia, Tajikistan, Laos, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, China, South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Romania, Colombia, Ghana, Cabo Verde, and Panama.

 

Under the 2016 General Election Embed program, international journalists will be assigned to work alongside their American counterparts in “battleground” states to cover the last days of the presidential elections for their U.S. media hosts and their audiences back home.

 

This is a program funded by the U.S. embassies from a number of countries, allowing ICFJ to bring a total of 25 journalists to the U.S.

 

Journalists, particularly those from emerging democracies, will also benefit from witnessing and participating in the pivotal watchdog role that the media play in democratic elections.

 

ICFJ arranges all logistics and covers all costs while requesting the following:

  •     Provide the fellow a workstation.
  •     Name a “mentor” to serve as the fellow’s main point-of-contact over the course of their time in the newsroom.
  •     Provide the fellow opportunities to shadow/observe multiple aspects of the media organization and contribute when appropriate, according to their interests.

It is a great opportunity for U.S. journalists to work side-by-side with international journalists to cover the final days of the elections. Along with experiencing a valuable cultural exchange, both parties can contribute to the quality of journalism abroad.

If you have any questions, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Best,

Sahar Majid – Program Intern

Cell (573) 268-4729 | www.icfj.org

 

| @ICFJ | facebook.com/icfj.org

 

International Center for Journalists Shaping the Future of Global Journalism

 

Tips for Better Interviews

Some succinct thoughts from Poynter here.

And, a reminder about the Poynter “Sensemaking Summit” in Madison, Saturday October 1. Learn more here. This promises to be a valuable session for all reporters!

Posted by Tim Morrissey

Poynter: Fact-Checking Is Job One For Every Reporter

An interesting column concerning the broad-based criticism of Matt Lauer’s performance in interviewing Trump and Clinton. Must-read. Great analysis, pointing out that one of the main differences in this year’s election is that one of the candidates refuses to stop saying things proven false, and some suggestions on how reporters can deal with such people. Read it here.

Posted by Tim Morrissey