The 2010 Midwest Journalism Conference will feature some fantastic guest speakers including veteran print journalist Chris Hedges and freelance journalist Roxana Saberi.  Local journalists Tom Crann (MPR), Jason DeRusha (WCCO-TV), Tom Hauser (KSTP-TV), Rick Kupchella (BringMeTheNews.com) will also lead sessions on topics ranging from social media in the newsroom, to improving interviewing techniques.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to have their print and broadcast work critiqued by local professionals. 

A variety of different registration options are available (one- and two-day passes).  Make your hotel reservation by March 23rd to ensure the group rate.

Download the conference program and registration form here.

More information is available at the Northwest Broadcast News Association Web site.

The Midwest Journalism conference is a collaborative effort, presented jointly by the the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Minnesota Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Minnesota Associated Press and the local chapter of the Radio Televion Digital News Association.

Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists supports the ability of online-based journalists to attend any and all legislative gatherings open to other media. SPJ can see no reason why journalists should be excluded because of how their product is distributed. By barring online reporters, legislators portray themselves as out of touch with the method by which an increasing number of Minnesotans receive their news.

If the Legislature is concerned about the conduct of individual reporters, existing rules and procedures can be utilized. If the problem is one of space, then the criteria for distributing media passes should be equitable for all journalists, not arbitrarily discriminatory based on an outlet’s medium.

The Minnesota Independent quotes House Rules Committee Chair Tony Sertich as saying a rule change to allow online media would open access to anybody. In fact, the change gives open access to everybody, which is the best and most credible means of government accountability in a democracy.

The Minnesota Chapter of SPJ is available to facilitate further discussions or meet with legislators to answer any questions.

Contact: Art Hughes
Minnesota SPJ board member
(612) 236-8302