Press-law expert to conduct workshop for journalists
Reporters and editors of any experience level will benefit from
a March 30 workshop focusing on three key legal
areas: libel, open meetings and open records.
The workshop runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at Northern Illinois University's Campus
Life Building. Don Craven, attorney for the Illinois Press Association and
the association's "Libel Hotline," will lead the afternoon's discussion.
New reporters and editors will learn how to avoid libel while also learning
the practical application of Illinois' open-meetings and open-records laws.
Veterans will get a valuable refresher session, plus updates on the latest
legal developments.
NIU Journalism professor Brian Thornton will serve as moderator.
The workshop costs $15 for Northern Illinois Newspaper Association members.
To register, call Dana in the NIU Department of Communication at (815) 753-1564.
The Campus Life Building is located at the corner of Lucinda Avenue and
Normal Road. Park either in the adjacent Newman Center lot ($3) or the NIU
visitors lot ($4), off Lincoln Highway on Carroll Ave.
NIU offers summer
journalism camp for teens
Local newspapers are encouraged to offer financial help for high school
students to attend Northern Illinois University's summer Journalism Camp,
June 25-30 at NIU in DeKalb.
The camp provides a working experience for students interested in television,
radio and/or newspaper production. Campers receive hands-on experience at
the Northern Television Center and the Northern Star, NIU's student newspaper.
Under the direction of media experts and educators, they produce a TV newscast
and a camp newspaper.
Any student who has completed grades 8-12 is eligible. The fee, including
room and board, is $375. Newspapers are encouraged to identify deserving
students in their communities and offer partial or full scholarships.
For more information, contact the External Programming area of NIU's College
of Liberal Arts and Sciences, at (800) 345-9472 or (815) 753-0277. Or, see
the department's Web site at :
www.niu.edu/depts/ext_prog/camps.html.
High school scholarships
to be awarded soon
NINA again is offering $600 in scholarships for talented high school
journalists.
Packets were mailed to northern Illinois high school journalism educators,
with student applications due March 17.
The scholarship awards are presented to high school seniors who demonstrate
the standards of honesty, integrity, attention to detail, hard work, creativity,
and an understanding and commitment to quality community journalism.
NINA gives $300 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third. In
the past, the winning students' hometown newspapers have given matching
funds in order to double the award amounts. That practice is encouraged
again this year, said education committee chairman John Etheredge.