Science Training for Local Journalists

On Sept. 15, SciLine, part of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, will have a free, one-hour online session of "Crash Course:  Science essentials for local reporters."

Register: https://sciline.org/learn/science-essentials/

SciLine is an excellent source to bookmark. In addition to training and topical articles, it has a referral service to help journalists locate topic experts on deadline.

Survival of local news: The view from on the ground

The latest from the Post and Courier's excellent "Uncovered" series documenting how corruption flourishes when local news withers. This is an on-the-ground look at the perilous situation in Union, SC, known nationally for the Susan Smith child drowning case.

The once-daily folded, a victim of economic pressures that became too intense with coronavirus, and now two former employees who started a competing weekly wonder how it will survive.

https://www.postandcourier.com/uncovered/when-newspapers-close-bonds-among-locals-weaken-and-misdeeds-can-thrive/article_061d9232-1ca4-11ec-aa28-db60cb26b797.html

(Warning: possible paywall.)

The story also references Newstart, a program at the University of West Virginia to encourage people to buy local papers and train them how to run them.

Media Law School weekend - excellent for community journalists

You know that if you are in community journalism, you're probably going to spend some serious time down at the county courthouse. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more and make your job easier (did we mention that it's basically free?):

Working journalists are invited to apply for fellowships to attend Media Law School 2018, to be held Sept. 19-22 in Columbia, South Carolina at the University of South Carolina.

Media Law School is an intensive seminar that teaches journalists about criminal law and procedure with a focus on how to more effectively cover trials and the judicial process. Sessions are led by the university's law and journalism faculty and practicing attorneys and judges.

Approximately 30 fellowships in the amount of $400 each are available to cover travel costs to and from Columbia. In addition, lodging and most meals are provided. There is no fee to attend. Fellowship applications are due by Aug. 20. For more information and to apply, visit www.law.sc.edu/medialawschool.

In its third year, the Media Law School has drawn journalists from a variety of news organizations and all U.S. regions. It is presented by the university's School of Law and College or Information and Communications. It is sponsored by the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Contact Carmen Maye with questions at medialaw@sc.edu.