August 29, 2013

STL-SPJ holds free journalism boot camp

ST. LOUIS (Aug. 28, 2013) – College and high school students of journalism are invited to attend the St. Louis Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists one-day Boot Camp Sept. 21. Boot Camp leaders include professional editors, reporters and photographers.

The event will include a lunchtime panel discussion where panelists offer insights on how to get a job in today’s fast changing market. Panelists include Linda Lockhart, analyst, Public Insight Network–St. Louis Beacon and Jarrett Medlin, editor-in-chief, St. Louis Magazine.

“At a time when our industry is experiencing great change and many career journalists are losing their livelihoods, it is inspiring that so many professionals are willing to donate their time to teach incoming reporters,” SPJ St. Louis Pro Chapter President Tammy Merrett-Murry said.

Today’s graduates need to be better trained, better equipped and more self-sufficient than ever before, she said. In the skeleton-staffed pressure cooker that is the deadline-driven media environment, new reporters are often out on their own.

The St. Louis professional chapter of the SPJ is committed to helping new members of the profession achieve the highest standards. The future of journalism depends on the skills and talents of the next generation of reporters.

When:         8:30 a.m. — 5 p.m., Sept. 21
Where:        Sunnen Lounge, Webster University
Cost:           FREE (breakfast and lunch included)
Who can attend:    College Students in journalism, mass communications and related study areas.
Registration:      Before Sept. 14
Email:      williams.kari09@gmail.com or tmerrettmurry@gmail.com

ABOUT THE BOOT CAMP

The STL SPJ’s fourth annual Boot Camp expects to draw participants from across the Midwest. The camp can accommodate up to 80 students.

The day will be packed with seminars and workshops. Classes will cover everything from video editing and how to use social media in reporting to a presentation on investigative reporting.

Back by popular demand, participants will get a real life flavor of the stresses and demands of today’s newsroom. They will attend a press briefing, and, under a tight deadline, students will be expected to research, write and submit a completed story. Stories will be judged by a panel of professional editors. Besides recognition of their accomplishment, there will be prizes for the top three writers.

Boot Camp Program Highlights

* Reporting — Research, Sources & The Art of Interviewing – Holly Edgell, Community Editor at WCPO.com, Cincinnati, Ohio

* Video Editing: The Future Is Now — Mary Cox, Webster University

* Covering Arts and Entertainment — Jill Moon, Lifestyle Editor, Alton Telegraph

* Rules of the Game: Real-World Newsroom Ethics — Elizabeth Donald, Belleville News Democrat

For more information:

Press Contacts
Janette Lonsdale
Janette@TheRedStairs.com
(314) 223.2035

SPJ STL Pro Chapter President
Tammy Merrett-Murry
tmerrettmurry@gmail.com
(314) 780.0159

Visit our website for programming and membership information:
www.STLSPJ.org
Janette Lonsdale
Content Strategist
The Red Stairs

Cell: 314 223 0235
email: Janette@TheRedStairs.com

www.TheRedStairs.com

www.JanetteLonsdale.com