140 characters at a time, journalists are finding sources, uncovering story leads and breaking news. The Society of Professional Journalists, Virginia Pro Chapter is offering a free Twitter for Journalists workshop Thursday, Feb. 28 in Richmond.
Learn the ins and outs of using Twitter in your day-to-day reporting from Robyn Sidersky, city hall reporter(@fxbgcitybeat) for The Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg. Bring your smartphone, laptop or tablet for hands-on help!
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Eighth and Main Building on Main Street in Richmond. Pizza will be provided by the chapter. Please RSVP to virginiaprospj@gmail.com or Tweet @SPJVA. See you there!
Archive for the ‘SPJ’ Category
Twitter for Journalists workshop Thursday, Feb. 28
Posted in Programs, Society of Professional Journalists, SPJ, Updates, tagged journalism, Society of Professional Journalists, SPJ, Twitter, Virginia on February 20, 2013 |
Region 2 Spring Conference April 19-20
Posted in Programs, Society of Professional Journalists, SPJ, SPJ Region 2, Updates, tagged FOIA, journalism, Society of Professional Journalists, SPJ, training on February 11, 2013 |
The Virginia Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is pleased to announce the Region 2 Spring Conference April 19-20 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott in Norfolk, Va. Registration with special early-bird pricing for pros and students is now open at http://2013spjregion2.eventbrite.com .
We will kick off the weekend with a cash bar reception just down the street from the hotel in on Friday night.
Saturday, plan on an event packed with compelling speakers, panels, workshops and networking opportunities. During sessions, panelists and presenters will address the pressing issues of journalism, including social media, data journalism, how to navigate jobs in the tough market and more. We will close out the day with a set of small-group workshops on topics such as mobile phone photography, coding for journalists and more.
We will recognize regional winners of the collegiate Mark of Excellence Awards during an included luncheon. Luncheon-only tickets for parents and supporters will be released closer to the event. Registrants of the Region 2 conference are also welcome to attend all non-meal events during the Virginia Press Association’s News Conference at the hotel Saturday.
If you or your organization are interested in taking part in a panel or workshop, learning about sponsorship opportunities or have other questions please contact Conference Co-Chairs Pat Kane and Robyn Sidersky by phone at (804) 986-6804 or e-mail at virginiaprospj at gmail.com
By Kristine Hadeed
Broadcast Journalism Senior, Virginia Commonwealth University
April 14, 2012
Brian Eckert, Region 2 director of the Society of Professional Journalists, estimated it was the first visit of its kind in over 30 years.
National SPJ president John Ensslin made an appearance as guest speaker at Saturday’s Virginia Pro Chapter meeting, held on the University of Richmond’s campus.
Before Saturday night, Eckert says the last president to visit the Virginia Pro Chapter was Alf Goodykoontz, a former executive editor at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, who headed SPJ’s national organization from 1977-1978.
Ensslin made the trip to Virginia from his home in New Jersey at the invitation of chapter president Paul Fletcher. The national president’s talk focused on ethics, but also touched on ideas to expand SPJ’s membership internationally.
Ensslin commented on the influence SPJ’s Code of Ethics has on practices of journalism in the United States. “It is not law;” he said, “and it has much more power as a result.”
The system of peer-enforced accountability that SPJ’s ethics code promotes is one that Ensslin said he would like to see more journalists adopt “beyond the borders of this country.”
“We are an organization that values diversity, and I would like to see us grow in that direction,” he said.
However, he also noted concerns about advocating SPJ’s ethical doctrines in countries that do not enjoy as extensive rights to freedom of speech as those offered in the U.S.
“Part of SPJ’s code says that journalists should act independently, but not all journalists have that independence,” Ensslin said, citing Iran as an example of a country where one must carry a license in order to practice journalism. He welcomed thoughts and opinions on that topic as he and other members of SPJ’s national board develop plans to expand the organization’s membership, both domestically and abroad.
Following Ensslin’s talk, Virginia Pro Chapter members watched a screening of the award-winning documentary, “Page One: Inside the New York Times.” The film follows journalists working at the iconic paper’s Media Desk and sheds light on how new technologies have affected practices and perceptions of one of journalism’s oldest and most influential institutions.
Ensslin said the opening scene of “Page One,” which shows the closing of the Rocky Mountain newspaper, hits close to home for him.
“That was my newspaper, and my editor up on the screen,” he said. “I remember that day; it stabs me right here every time I see it.” Ensslin is currently a reporter covering local government for The Record, a newspaper in Bergen, N.J.
For young journalists looking to become viable in an evolving media landscape, Ensslin advised that the training, professional support and camaraderie gained by joining SPJ’s network gives students and professionals alike an advantage in their careers.
“When a newspaper editor gets an application from someone who’s joined SPJ […], that signals that this is a person who’s serious about journalism,” said Ensslin. “If you’re not going to invest in yourself, who will?”
[Photo by Pat Kane][p>
2012 Virginia SPJ, SDX Educational Foundation Scholarships
Posted in Awards, SDX Educational Foundation, Society of Professional Journalists, SPJ on March 30, 2012 |
Dear College Journalists, Students, Professors and Financial Aid Officers:
Applications are now being accepted for two scholarships of $1,500 each, available to rising juniors or seniors attending a Virginia college or university. The Virginia SPJ,SDX Educational Foundation awards the scholarships annually, with support from Society of Professional Journalists, Virginia Pro Chapter. Applications must be postmarked on or before May 1, 2012.
Applicants are not required to be journalism majors, but they must demonstrate intent to pursue a career in journalism (print, broadcast and/or online media). Both winners will be recognized at the annual George Mason Banquet, held in June to honor a person who has supported freedom of the press and contributed significantly to Virginia journalism.
The foundation and the chapter have awarded scholarships to aspiring journalists annually since 1971. Previous scholarship winners now work at the highest levels in national, state and local journalism. This scholarship award on a resume distinguishes an applicant as one of the most talented students entering the profession.
Please encourage students from your college or university to apply by posting and distributing photocopies of this letter and application on your campus. Information and applications also can be downloaded here: SPJ Scholarship Application 2012 . Should you have questions or need assistance, please contact me at clissase@aol.com.
Sincerely,
Clissa England
SPJ Scholarship Chair
November Board of Directors meeting minutes
Posted in General Assembly, Programs, Society of Professional Journalists, SPJ on November 7, 2011 |
Virginia Pro Chapter SPJ Board of Directors meeting
9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 2011
offices of WVCE Public Radio, Richmond
Present: Paul F., Brian E., Pat K., Joan T., Wayne F., Caroline C., Guy L., A.J. L.
Nicole L. available by phone
Old Business:
Secretary Pat K. read minutes of October board meeting, approved unanimously
Christopher Newport University situation:
CNU Captain’s Log student newspapers were stolen, and university declined to press charges. Paul F. wrote op/ed on thefts, which was published in Virginia Lawyers Weekly and the Captain’s Log. Pat K. will seek wider distribution of the op/ed.
University of Virginia situation:
University of Virginia Cavalier Daily newspaper ran story outlining plagiarism without identifying student, pursued honor code charges. Honor council threatened editors with charges. All charges dropped. SPJVA offered support to editor.
Board will develop introductory letter to college editors alerting them to our potential resources.
SPJ national high school essay contest:
Guy L. will serve as judging chairman for SPJVA
New board member sought:
Bonnie Davis has moved to North Carolina. Will seek new educator for the board.
Richmond photojournalist arrest:
Pat wrote statement to Richmond officials regarding Oct. 31 arrest of photojournalist Ian Graham of RVA Mag. Brian E. moved, A.J. L. second, board approved unanimously. Paul F. to edit and send out on SPJVA letterhead.
Statement on A.P. Day at the Capitol:
Minor edits accepted to Brian E.’s statement of support for the A.P. Day program. Program ran by Capitol Correspondents Association. Brian E. moved, Guy L. second, board approved unanimously:
“AP Day at the Capitol is a program of great value to journalists who cover Virginia government, and it is one that the Society of Professional Journalists, Virginia Pro Chapter, has supported for many years. The chapter defers to the event’s organizers to make specific program arrangements. SPJ is a First Amendment organization, and we support every citizen’s and candidate’s ability to be heard.”
Public notice:
Paul F. and Caroline C. to talk with Ginger Stanley from VPA regarding fight to preserve public notice in Virginia newspapers. VPA taking the lead so far. Caroline says they are updating weekly and building a coalition. Al Cross of SPJ national government committee says this is a right to know issue.
George Mason Birthday:
Brian E. offered an update on the George Mason birthday program. Round-trip to Mason memorial in D.C. for wreath-laying and program by Park Ranger. Return to Gunston Hall, which offers a $9 home tour and short film.
Aiming for Sunday, Dec. 11 – Mason’s birthday. Likely all-day affair carpooling from Richmond. Will advertise to membership, others, D.C. pro membership.
Will count as First Amendment program for chapter. Brian E. requested up to $150 for wreath materials, Guy L. moved, Pat second, board approved unanimously. Brian E. will draft press release.
Scholarship profiles project:
Pat K. offered an update on board project to create a booklet profiling all SPJ, SDX Foundation Scholarship recipients. Able to find many people on Google, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Treasurer’s Report:
$7,385.94 from Meet the Media Day event. Balance is $7,829.94. Account transferred from Danny F. to Brian E. in October. 501c6 nonprofit status renewed Oct. 25. We have 110 members, about 70 active members. Can expect $900 in dues from national.
Brian E. recommends a close look at the roster and more membership communication. Pat K. will look at rosters, develop welcome letter/e-mail. Will ask Robyn S. to co-chair membership communication.
New Business:
Pat K. to send card on behalf of SPJVA to family of Josie Scott, killed Oct. 30 by motorist.
January social program idea:
2012 General Assembly preview. Perhaps Megan Rhyne, capitol correspondent, etc. speaking at casual gathering.
Regional Director’s Report:
Brian E. has looked into chartering train space for SPJ Region 2 Spring Conference March 30-31 in Elon, N.C.
Brian E. to visit Regent University in Virginia Beach Nov. 18 to start student chapter of SPJ.
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SPJVA Twitter Feed
- RT @LawnGyland: @SPJVA Va. Pro members are invited to the D.C. Pro Hall of Fame dinner on June 11. Tix: spjdc.org/node/15299 5 days ago
- RT @MWStowe: The @roanoketimes is hiring a visual journalist who loves to shoot photos and video. roanoke.com/careers/ 2 weeks ago
- Virginia students win five national Mark of Excellence Awards: bit.ly/18d55sI 3 weeks ago
- MT @spj_tweets: You've been quoted in my #Storify story "SPJ Region 2 Conference in Norfolk, Va." sfy.co/s5RZ 3 weeks ago
- RT @sszkotakap: WASHINGTON (AP) Supreme Court: it's legal for Va. to block out-of-state people from using its FOIA to get state documents. 3 weeks ago
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