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September 5th, 2021 • 2021: Virtual
Ever wondered how to turn a news story into a book? Two publishing industry insiders spill some knowledge.

Having a byline on a story is great and all, but what about having a published book with your name on it? Industry insiders, Mindy Marquez Gonzalez, of Simon & Schuster, and Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, associate professor of journalism at California's Santa Monica College, talked about how you --- yes, YOU -- can turn that story into a published book.


September 5th, 2021 • 2021: Virtual
The benefits of unionizing a newsroom–and why you should consider it

...the top three issues cited by people interested in organizing unions are economic uncertainty, job security and diversity, equity and inclusion in their newsrooms. The organizers also want to ensure that there is a commitment to the craft of journalism.


September 4th, 2021 • 2021: Virtual
An Inside Look Into Covering the Trump and Biden Administrations

“When we first came into this administration, it was not the same situation where you could be there all the time and get to know your sources in person. There were a lot of restrictions, because of the pandemic. In fact, many of these officials weren't working in the building.”


September 3rd, 2021 • 2021: Virtual
“We’ve got to do the work”: Newsroom leaders aim to amplify and diversify voices in editorial pages

Newsroom leaders at a range of U.S. publications said including diverse voices in their editorial pages remains a work in progress and stressed their commitment to continue "doing the work."


September 3rd, 2021 • 2021: Virtual
Objectivity: The Hot Topic of Conversation Across Newsrooms Today

Following protests of George Floyd’s killing last year reporters began to question why a traditional news standard was still applied to coverage and, more importantly, how to move past outdated notions in 21st century journalism. In an SPJ 2021 Journalism Conference super session Sept.


September 2nd, 2021 • 2021: Virtual
“Are you doing OK?”: Seasoned reporters weigh in on the role empathy plays in getting the story

Countless journalists believe empathy is crucial to the work of reporters. The lingering question is how? How can we show empathy and professionalism while connecting with people on the worst day of their lives? Seasoned reporters weigh in.


September 14th, 2020 • 2020: Virtual
#SPJ2020: The Importance of Inclusive Newsroom and Inclusive Coverage

As Black Lives Matter protests continue to bring light to the racial injustice in our country, newsrooms across the United States are also facing their own reckoning on a major component of media: diversity. Morgan Givens, a freelance audio producer and host of the “Flyest Fables” podcast, states that diversity in our country is often overlooked because white is seen as the perspective of what is normal.


September 13th, 2020 • 2020: Virtual
SPJ Fellow Gwen Ifill: The Heart of Journalism

To Robert Ifill, his younger sister was more than just a journalist breaking barriers and making history as the first African-American woman to host a national political talk show. She was, as he considered, the “star” of the family. “When we were younger, she was always referred to as `Robert’s little sister,’” Ifill recalled.


September 13th, 2020 • 2020: Virtual
Spotlight: The Post’s Marty Baron Honored

  Liev Schrieber nailed his depiction of Marty Baron in Spotlight (2015): an exterior gruffness that brings out his cantankerous nature and high-standard expectations.  But Schrieber missed one thing. “What it didn’t capture is that there’s an awful lot of humanity and loyalty–and I would never say softness because he would kill me,” said Tracy Grant, managing editor for staff development and standards. 


September 13th, 2020 • 2020: Virtual
Patricia Newberry Hands SPJ Presidency to Matthew Hall

Coming into the term without an executive director to assist her, her first plan of action was to find someone who would be willing to supervise a staff of 15.


September 12th, 2020 • 2020: Virtual
Uncovering Missing Voices Between History’s Subtle Lines

Digging through historical records found at the 5,500-acre plantation of Gunston Hall in Fairfax County, Va., student researcher Elizabeth Perez-Garcia of George Mason University uncovered the life of an African-American girl named Penny, who was shackled into the chains of slavery in 1796 Virginia.