Minnesota News Council

The Comment Board Controversy

This fall, the Minnesota News Council and the Society of Professional Journalists join forces to address what MinnPost's David Brauer called the "comment cesspool" found at online news sites.

We'll talk to journalists, legal experts, and of course, the commenting public, about their thoughts on the issue:

What are news outlets doing to ensure civil discourse on their sites? What happens when inappropriate content is posted on comment sites? What are the legal ramifications for news outlets? For the commenters? What draws readers to comment on stories? Which sites have the best and worst commenters?

Stay tuned for more information!

24th Annual Silha Lecture to Feature Chuck Lewis

Mark your calendars!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009
7:00 p.m.
Cowles Auditorium - West Bank, University of Minnesota
*The event is free and open to the public. No reservations or tickets are required.

Charles “Chuck” Lewis, executive editor of the new Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University in Washington, D.C., will address the question – What has discouraged the traditional watchdog’s inclination to bark – let alone bite? - in his 2009 Silha Lecture, “Unspoken Realities about Investigative Journalism and the Law.”

The Silha Lecture will include an opportunity for audience Q&A. The event is free and open to the public. No reservations or tickets are required. Light refreshments will be served.

Essential Skills for the Digital Journalist

The Poynter Institute is partnering with the University of Minnesota School of Journalism & Mass Communication to bring a intensive four-day skills course to Minnesota.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 31, 2009
Seminar Dates: October 12 – 15, 2009
Location: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Get the skills you need to thrive in journalism’s digital age: Master the basics of audio, video and other multimedia tools. We’ll teach you the key skills, as well as how to navigate ethical pressure points in emerging platforms. Most importantly, we’ll explore how to change the way you think about storytelling and the role of independent journalism in the service of democracy.

You’ll learn:
-Key multimedia skills, including audio and video
-How to recognize and negotiate the ethical issues specific to multimedia
-What it takes to survive and thrive in a constantly changing landscape
-How and why you need to build your brand as a journalist
-The leadership skills and knowledge you need to chart your own career path

Support our work today!

We're excited to announce a new year of programming commencing this fall. Our goal is to offer a greater number of quality forums including a series focusing on the role of journalism in democracy and citizenship, as well as topics of special local interest. The programs we're currently working on include, "New Media and Effective Citizenship," "News Coverage of American Muslims," and "Covering the 2010 Gubernatorial Race."

Your tax-deductible donation will guarantee the continuation of the important work of the Minnesota News Council in these difficult economic times.

Visit our homepage, and click on the "DONATE" button to support our work today!

In This Issue

The Comment Board Controversy
24th Annual Silha Lecture to Feature Chuck Lewis
Essential Skills for the Digital Journalist
Support our work today!

MNC EVENTS

We are always updating our list of events with things you may find interesting. Check the EVENTS PAGE on our Web site regularly for updates!

Pass It On

If you know someone who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, you can easily forward up to five copies at once.

Support the News Council

The Minnesota News Council is supported by news organizations, corporations, associations, foundations and individuals. Learn how you can help today.