May 17 2008 - SPJ to Launch Citizen Journalism Academy in Chicago

The Society of Professional Journalists will launch the first of three Citizen Journalism Academy programs May 17 at DePaul University in Chicago.

The workshop will teach citizens how to practice accurate and ethical journalism. The Society aims to help participants understand how such practices could increase reach and reputations within a specified community and around the world.

Topics in these one-day workshops will explore:

-- Journalism ethics. The new-media landscape is rife with dilemmas for
anyone wanting to report accurately, fairly and outside the bounds
of special interests.

-- The basics of media law. The same longstanding laws concerning libel,
slander and access to people and information apply to 21st-century
news-gatherers.

-- Access to pubic records and meetings. Public information can add
substance and value to every news story. But knowing where to look
for it can be tough.

-- Standard and responsible reporting practices. With media ethics and
law in mind, how else should news-gatherers approach sources?

-- The use of technology. We'll show you an array of tools you could
start using -- or continue using even more effectively.

The program will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost to attend the Citizen Journalism Academy is $25, which includes lunch and course materials. For more information about this program or to register, visit http://spj.org/cja.asp.

Other upcoming Citizen Journalism Academy workshops include Greensboro, N.C. on June 7 and Los Angeles on June 28.