Crime reporting is a high pressure job, even by the standards of journalism. The knowledge required is vast and complex, and the stakes of writing about people— criminals or victims— in their most vulnerable moments are high. But the public deserves to know what’s happening in the community and whether the justice system is just….
Author: alaskapressclub
How to Get Ideas for Coverage and Reach More People by Asking Your Audience
Social media presents a challenge to the traditional role news organizations have played as gatekeepers of information — anyone with a smartphone can now engage in public discourse. But by submitting questions to the public in “callouts,” newsrooms can find valuable new leads and gain a deeper understanding of what the public needs. “We can…
A New York Times Reporter’s Techniques for Writing Human Stories on Deadline
Deadlines are the bane and lifeblood of reporting. New York Times reporter Sarah Mervosh has created several routines and checklists to help. “I think we all want to tell stories about real people and the human element,” Mervosh said. “That’s probably why a lot of us got into journalism.” Mervosh shared the techniques she uses…
Fairness in Criticism with Sam Sifton
Sam Sifton’s experience is in restaurant reviewing, but the lessons from his Alaska Press Club presentation on fairness in criticism can be applied to all kinds of reporting. Sifton is a national editor at the New York Times, where he has served as the culture editor and food reviewer. Alaska journalist Julia O’Malley introduced Sifton,…
#AKleg covered! State government 101 with Chad Sant
Jan. 14, 2021 – In this recording, Alaska Press Club members heard from Chad Sant, a former educator in the Anchorage School District who taught government, U.S. history, debate and more for nearly three decades. Sant’s presentation covered the basics of the legislative process and how to use the legislature’s website to gather information about…
#AKleg covered! State budget basics with Larry Persily and Tim Bradner
Dec. 11, 2020 — In this recording, Alaska Press Club members heard from Tim Bradner, co-owner of the Alaska Legislative Digest, and Larry Persily, UAA’s Atwood Chair of Journalism. The pair discussed where the money comes from that is so heavily debated during session, as well as pitfall journalists should avoid while covering the state…
Connecting With Community: A journalism workshop series
Knowing the communities you serve increases trust and supports public participation. Enhance your skills in doing journalism that generates stronger relationships, mutual understanding and empathy with communities so everyone thrives. This series is presented by Alaska Press Club and the Alaska Humanities Forum. The Sixth W: What’s Possible Now? Listening to what’s possible leads to stories that give life…
#AKleg covered! With Alaska Legislative Librarian Jennifer Fletcher
Nov. 12, 2020 – In this recording, Alaska Press Club members heard from Legislative Librarian Jennifer Fletcher on how to fine-tune research and navigate the legislature’s website as #akleg season approaches. Fletcher provided some tips to reporters on streamlining questions and ways the Legislative Library can assist with research. “We treat all requests as confidential,…
From Start to Funded: How to write a grant for you and your newsroom
“Grant Writing: From Start to Funded” led by Meredith Noble at learngrantwriting.org is a month-long cohort through the month of November fully funded by the Alaska Press Club with support from Atwood Foundation and Knight Foundation in partnership with Rasmuson Foundation. Alaska Press Club members are encouraged to sign up for this 30-day class —…
Letter to the governor’s office: Request regarding press communications
The Alaska Press Club board sent a letter to the Governor’s office on Friday, Oct. 9. The letter expressed the concerns journalists across Alaska have regarding the cooperativeness of Alaska’s state leadership. “In communications with state officials and the governor’s office, our reporters across platforms are experiencing an unprecedented lack of transparency and lack of…
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