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Archive for the ‘Society of Professional Journalists’ Category

Twitter for Journalists workshop Thursday, Feb. 28

Posted in Programs, Society of Professional Journalists, SPJ, Updates, tagged , , , , on February 20, 2013|

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!

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Region 2 Spring Conference April 19-20

Posted in Programs, Society of Professional Journalists, SPJ, SPJ Region 2, Updates, tagged , , , , 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

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Access Across America II visits Richmond 7/12

Posted in FOIA, Society of Professional Journalists on July 3, 2012|

Five experts in freedom of information are traveling the country this summer as part of Access Across America II, providing SPJ pro chapters and newsrooms a special session on accessing public records, including great ideas for record-based stories, effective requests, and how to use tactical strategies to overcome denials and exorbitant copy fees.

Charles Davis, an associate professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism, is travelling the southeast. The SPJ, Virginia Pro chapter will host his visit in Richmond July 12.

His talk will be held at 7:00 p.m. that Thursday at 707 East Main Street, in downtown Richmond, in the 2nd floor conference room. Members of SPJVA will be gathering for dinner with Davis about 5:30 p.m. beforehand at Capital Ale House, just a block from the meeting. (For directions/more info, contact SPJVA President Paul Fletcher by email at paul.fletcher@valawyersmedia.com, or by phone at 804-783-0770).

Davis was SPJ’s Freedom of Information Committee chair for five years and is co-author of “The Art of Access: Strategies for Acquiring Public Records.”

He is a winner of SPJ’s Sunshine Award and was named the Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Teacher of the Year. Before academia, he worked for newspapers and as a national correspondent for Lafferty Publications, a Dublin-based news wire service for financial publications.

This summer training, funded by the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation and The Associated Press, is a follow-up from the 45-day 2010 Access Across America road tour, where SPJ FOI trainer David Cuillier talked with 1,009 people at 56 sessions in 32 states.

The July 12 program is free and promises to be a great start to the new SPJVA year – we’ll look forward to seeing you there!

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See “Page One” and meet SPJ National President John Ensslin on April 14

Posted in Programs, Society of Professional Journalists on April 4, 2012|

The Society of Professional Journalists, Virginia Pro Chapter, has a great night planned for anyone who loves journalism and cares about its future.

John Ensslin, the SPJ national president, will visit Richmond Saturday, April 14. We’ll gather at the University of Richmond, Jepson Hall Room 109, at 7 p.m. for a talk by Ensslin about ethics issues SPJ has weighed in on this year.

Then, we’ll screen the documentary, “Page One.” A team of filmmakers followed editors and reporters at the New York Times for a year to produce a movie that gives a fly-on-the-wall view of a newspaper and profession in transition. When the movie premiered at the 2011 Sundance Festival, it got a standing ovation.

It’s a good bet that after the program, we’ll retire to The Cellar, UR’s scenic lakeside pub, to continue the discussion (admission available only to those over 21).

Admission to the whole event is free and open to guests. Come out, meet John, watch “Page One” and enjoy some journalism fellowship!

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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

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honoring George Mason

Posted in Society of Professional Journalists, SPJ Region 2, Updates on December 12, 2011|

SPJ Virginia Pro Chapter members, joined by Washington D.C. Pro President Julie Asher, met at the George Mason Memorial in Washington D.C. to honor this Founding Father on his birthday, Sunday, Dec. 11. They also visited his home, Gunston Hall, in the Virginia suburbs.

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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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