Explore the craft of journalism
Join St. Louis Public Radio for a virtual Mini Journalism School, a multi-week lecture and discussion series on a wide range of journalism topics. Gain a greater understanding of the decisions, ethical considerations, and techniques that go into creating the credible, fact-based news you rely on to stay informed. Professional journalists, educators, and others in the media industry will join us for in-depth conversations on a different topic each week.
Topics include media literacy, investigative journalism, press freedom, ethics, healthcare reporting, and how the news is changing.
Nine Monday Evenings
February 15
February 22
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
April 5
April 12
April 19
7 p.m. — 8 p.m.
Zoom Virtual Sessons
$80 for all 9 sessions
or $10 for individual sessions Register Now
or $10 for individual sessions Register Now
2021 Program Schedule
Feb
15
Media Literacy
We’d all like to think we can spot “fake news,” but it’s not as easy as separating clickbait from legitimate coverage. In this session, Blackburn College communications professor Natasha Casey will discuss the origins of fake news and the challenges of separating fact from fiction in the digital age.
Jonathan Ahl
St. Louis Public Radio
Natasha Casey
Blackburn College
Feb
22
Why We Cover What We Cover
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to how newsroom leaders make decisions about news coverage. In this session, you’ll hear the perspectives of Gilbert Bailon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Shula Neuman of St. Louis Public Radio, and other local journalists.
Shula Neuman
St. Louis Public Radio
Gilbert Bailon
St. Louis Post Dispatch
Mar
1
Political Reporting
It could be argued that political reporting is more important than ever. St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum, Rachel Lippmann, and Jaclyn Driscoll will share their experiences covering politics at the local, state and national levels during a pandemic and unprecedented upheaval.
Fred Ehrlich
St. Louis Public Radio
Jason Rosenbaum
St. Louis Public Radio
Jaclyn Driscoll
St. Louis Public Radio
Rachel Lippmann
St. Louis Public Radio
Mar
8
Investigative Journalism
Investigative journalism serves an important watchdog purpose in society. So how do journalists unearth information and reveal truths? In this session, journalists and media experts discuss this topic.
Jeremy Kohler
St. Louis Post Dispatch
Mar
15
Arts, Culture, Food Journalism
Covering the Arts, Culture and Restaurants has changed significantly in the last year as those areas have been impacted in many ways by COVID restrictions. How are journalists covering these beats and what does a food journalist do when they can’t go out to eat?
Jeremy Goodwin
St. Louis Public Radio
Ian Froeb
St. Louis Post Dispatch
Mar
22
Television Weather
Television news managers know that, in many markets, weather is the most important part of any newscast. Mike Roberts, formerly of 5 on Your Side (KSDK), will share the highs and lows of predicting the weather.
Mike Roberts
KSDK (Retired)
Apr
5
Ethics of Journalism
Journalism is a self-regulating profession. Most newsrooms adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) code of ethics or have their own version. In this session, local journalists and ethics experts will talk about the code and challenges in this area.
David Cazares
St. Louis Public Radio
Linda Lockhart
St. Louis Public Radio (Retired)
Apr
12
Press Freedoms and Libel Law
Journalism (“the press”) is the only profession protected by the U.S. Constitution. American jurisprudence has tended to favor the press over time, based on this very protection. Mark Sableman of Thompson Coburn LLP will lead the group in a discussion about press protections and why it’s challenging to win a case of libel against a news organization.
Alex Heuer
St. Louis Public Radio
Mark Sableman
Thompson Coburn
Apr
19
How News is Changing
News of layoffs and media consolidation is causing a great deal of angst in the profession. However, new platforms are emerging along with new ways for the public to engage with journalists and have their voices heard. Lindsay Toler of St. Louis Public Radio will discuss these changes with journalism professionals.
Lindsay Toler
St. Louis Public Radio