How journalists can (and should) cover attempts to erase Black history

SPJ’s Code of Ethics includes this tenet: ”Boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience. Seek sources whose voices we seldom hear.” But recent government directives – at all levels – threaten the truthful telling of Black history. We’ll explore the impact of these directives on fact-based reporting and on the quality of information that citizens rely on to govern themselves. We’ll also discuss how journalists can cover the effects of federal and state directives in their own communities.

moderator: Celia Wexler, SPJ DC president
Nikole Hannah-Jones, Howard University
Jennifer Thomas, Howard University

The new newsroom: skills that land jobs in journalism today

The journalism jobs of today – and tomorrow – demand more than strong writing. From audience strategy to product thinking, from data fluency to creating content that engages audiences, the landscape is shifting fast. We’ll break down the must-have skills and mindsets employers seek, giving advisers and students a practical roadmap for staying relevant and competitive in a digital-first, business-aware newsroom.

Ashir Badami, Northwestern University

Small pay, big rewards: how to recruit and retain your staff

Smaller schools and community colleges rarely have much of a budget to pay staffers, much less editors. The misconception, though, is that money alone is the only way to keep the staff growing and in place. Wrong! Learn how to attract and retain staffers with incentive programs, training sessions, social activities, and cost-effective newsroom strategies that will leave staffers wanting big rewards without a big paycheck.

Shannon Philpott-Sanders, St. Louis Community College-Meramec

Talking to strangers: How to get the eager, the reluctant, and even the haters to give a good interview

Interviewing is the single most important way journalists get information. Yet sometimes the perfect interview feels more like luck than skill. But great interviews aren’t the result of serendipity and intuition. They’re the result of careful planning and good journalistic habits. Learn the tools you’ll need to get people to talk to you, and to get worthwhile information from them.

Dean Nelson, Point Loma Nazarene University

Storytelling through videography

Did you know that just the angle of the camera – or how a shot is framed – can completely change the emotional impact of a story? Whether you’re filming for journalism, social media, or creative projects, learn how to use composition, camera movement, lighting, and editing to shape powerful narratives. No experience is required – just a passion for telling stories that resonate. Come ready to discover how to make your audience feel what you’re showing.

Annie Block-Weiss, CSU Channel Islands

Reporting on addiction: How to ethically – and empathetically – cover our communities

Can coverage of addiction do more harm than good? Stigmatizing language can create barriers to lifesaving treatment, influence harmful policies, and (at their worst) result in death. Student journalists and media advisors will receive training in ethical, trauma-informed approaches to reporting, interviewing, and creating photos and video. They’ll leave with resources that will help them immediately use their new skills in the classroom and newsroom.

Ashton Marra, Reporting on Addiction co-founder and co-director

Deadlines and dating? Leading college newsrooms

College newsroom leaders face particular workplace challenges, including constant turnover, cliques, seniors bristling at being led by sophomores, and staffers in and out of relationships with each other. We’ll discuss these college-specific issues and offer concrete tips to bring transparency and stability to your newsroom.

Kathleen McElroy, University of Texas at Austin, Center for Ethical Leadership in Media

How to produce a quality podcast

Podcasting is a powerful and accessible form of storytelling. Learn how to produce an engaging and memorable podcast for your listeners in all stages of the production process. Both students and advisers will benefit from learning core elements to make outstanding ​podcasts. Includes information for both beginners and experienced podcasters.

Mike Lynn, Nova Southeastern University
Jonesia Martimbor, Mako Radio station manager
Amaia Flores, Mako Media Network social media manager

How I got the story

Since 2004, Illinois has collected traffic stop data to capture inequities that exist between motorists and officers. In a multi newsroom collaboration, we analyzed 20 years of data for college campus police and found that more Black drivers were stopped compared to their respective enrolled population. Learn how we acquired the data (hint: FOIA), interrogated the data, sourced key experts to explain what we’re seeing and why, leveraged the data to identify sources whose story aligned with the data, and hold accountability interviews with institutions to shed light on their version of the data. This investigation was part of a larger investigation that also looked at traffic stop data for municipalities as well.

Nicole Jeanine Johnson, independent journalist

Instagram is the new inverted pyramid

Struggling to move readership from print and online to your student press social media? Take your stories to the spaces your readership dwell by learning how to translate a print story into a post or reel. Then learn how to make sure they get seen.

Rachel Balducci, Augusta University

Strike the pose: How to set up a fashion photoshoot

Many college magazines want to shoot fashion, but they often forgot a basic rule: Fashion photoshoots start well before the first click of the camera. Learn how to plan and implement one like a pro – from securing locations, casting student models, sourcing merchandise from local retailers, styling models on-set, composing editorial credits, and capturing behind-the-scenes content.

Jenny Davis, Southern Methodist University

The four elements of great photography

We’ll explore the essential components that contribute to creating powerful, captivating images. Aimed at beginner to intermediate photographers and photo editors, we’ll discuss the importance of each element through practical examples. By understanding how to effectively balance these aspects, you can refine your skills, enhance your creative vision, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art and technique of photography.

Dylan Wilson, Augusta University

Student journalists, community partners: covering the women’s sports movement

From Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking WNBA debut to Ilona Maher’s rugby stardom, women’s sports are commanding attention like never before. University of Utah students captured this momentum through community engagement with local radio and sports professionals. They learned from Olympic, pro and college athletes as well as historians, journalists, and marketing experts while producing compelling stories and building journalism skills. Discover this approach.

Marcie Young Cancio, University of Utah and Amplify Utah
Sean Stetson, University of Utah

Photojournalism ethics

Explore the fundamental principles guiding decision-making in visual journalism: Why do ethics matter in photography? What constitutes staging? Where are the boundaries of photo manipulation? How can images misrepresent a scene? We’ll also address the emerging ethical challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence in image creation and editing. We aim to foster discussions about truth, trust and responsibility in visual storytelling.

Dylan Wilson, Augusta University

Covering campus communities with depth and courage

The array of communities on college campuses exist whether they speak out or stay silent. Regardless, student journalists have a responsibility to cover these communities with stories that center their concerns and voices. Doing this requires empathy and a special kind of commitment. We’ll discuss how students have for years created their own newsrooms to cover a range of hidden communities on one Big Ten campus.

Gayle Golden, University of Minnesota

Mastering the art of storytelling in sports media

A three-time Edward R. Murrow Award-winning sports anchor shares storytelling techniques from 20-plus years in broadcasting. Students and educators will learn real-world strategies, interactive exercises, and insider insights to craft compelling sports stories for today’s fast-paced and evolving media landscape.

Pat Doney, NBC Dallas sports anchor

Covering college in the crosshairs

With U.S. colleges and universities facing intense new political and financial pressures, the impact extends far beyond the elite campuses that capture so much attention. Featuring journalists with deep expertise in higher education, this session explores forces upending academia – and how to cover the stakes for places and people that are often overlooked.

Moderator: Sara Hebel, Open Campus Media
Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, The Washington Post
Sneha Dey, The Texas Tribune
Jon Marcus, The Hechinger Report

How to grow your media career early

Designed to provide actionable strategies and insights for aspiring media professionals looking to jumpstart their careers. From building a strong personal brand to mastering essential skills and networking effectively, we’ll equip you with the tools to succeed in the fast-paced media industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this will help you lay a solid foundation for long-term success in the media world.

Alyvia Taylor, KTTC Gray Media lifestyle reporter & producer

Media literacy – all-hands on deck

Journalists and journalism educators offer many different approaches to develop and implement media literacy programs. Examples include workshops to train student and early career journalists on how to educate the public about their work; a speakers’ bureau for media literacy; or a joint training course for police and press on each other’s roles, rights and responsibilities. Learn about all of them.

Katja Ridderbusch, SPJ Georgia president
Celia Wexler, SPJ DC president
Joy Mayer, Trusting News director

The other capital beat: journalism across 50 states

With all eyes on Washington, who’s watching the states? Meet States Newsroom, the largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. We cover the local issues and national trends that impact people’s lives, completely free to read and republish. Learn why and how we’re shining a light on all 50 state capitals.

McKenzie Romero, Utah News Dispatch editor
Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate editor
Jane Norman, States Newsroom DC bureau chief

Ungagging your sources

Who’s allowed to talk to the press? According to the First Amendment, the answer should be almost anyone. Sadly, this is one of the biggest issues facing journalists today. Learn what SPJ discovered in its “Gagged America” project, and what you can do to interview government employees at your local and state level.

Carolyn Carlson, former SPJ president
Frank LoMonte, CNN legal counsel
Kathryn Foxhall, Washington health reporter

Journalism ethics for tomorrow’s media professionals

Do future news journalists view ethics differently than future Ad/PR professionals? The winners of SPJ’s inaugural College Research Grant for Journalism Ethics present their findings. Learn about their research and share your perspectives on the evolution of media ethics and AI guidelines.

Dave Bostwick, University of Arkansas
Bobbie Foster, University of Arkansas
Gina Holland Shelton, Northwest Arkansas SPJ president
Susannah Swearingen, University of Arkansas

Pinpoint: Google’s solution for finding the news in massive documents

Explore one of Google’s newest tools. Pinpoint is a research tool that uses artificial intelligence to help journalists analyze large collections of documents. Learn how it can help with investigative reporting, breaking news analysis, audio and video transcriptions, fact checking, collecting notes, and searching archives. We’ll also walk through how to transform similarly structured documents into sortable spreadsheets and use generative AI to ask questions about your documents. Come prepared with a laptop to begin testing and learning about this tool developed for journalists.

Vix Reitano, Agency 6B CEO

Finding truth: How Google Tools can assist in verification and fact-checking

With misinformation so rampant across cyberspace, journalists must take extra care to avoid passing along inaccurate or misleading information to their audience. Explore tools journalists can use, such as Reverse Image Search and Fact Check Explorer, to verify the accuracy of text and the authenticity of images. You must bring your laptop to fully appreciate these helpful tools.

Dan Petty, ProPublica director of audience strategy

Your sports page sucks

The sports page is the second-most looked at page, so stop making it look so ugly. In this session, we will discuss how to make your page more reader-friendly.

Gary Metzker, Cal State Long Beach
Betty Chavarria, Washington Post design team editor

Make those design or art headlines sparkle

Need to add some energy to your publication’s visual impact? Learn how to pick the right words and the right typefaces – and pull them together – to create a focal point on a print or digital page. Without an appealing headline, readers and viewers might skip all your hard work. We’ll show you how to keep that from happening.

Randy Stano, University of Miami

ReNews Project: How do I resurrect my newsroom?

The executive director of the Renews Project (and an SPJ national board member) has helped restart student media at several different institutions, primarily HBCUs. Is your newsroom struggling? Need to find a way to rejuvenate it? Learn from both the successes and failures of this SPJ-sponsored program.

Wesley Wright, Florida Atlantic University

How college media can help news deserts

News outlets are closing across the country, leaving many communities without a source of local information. But instead of training college media students to one day close that gap, they can close it now. We’ll discuss how college media can bring long-needed reporting to local communities without veering from its mission.

Chris Whitley, Tarrant County College
Richard Watts, Center for Community News director

Photojournalism event coverage

Best practices for covering feature, sports, and news events as a photojournalist. Includes technical and aesthetic as well as equipment suggestions.

Greg A. Cooper, Eastern Illinois University

Using Tor to protect you and your sources

At its core, Tor is a well-known web browser that lets you search anonymously. But Tor is also much more than that. Numerous news organizations use this free software package to communicate safely with sources. Democratic civic groups in dictatorial countries also use Tor to help organize opposition to those dictatorships. What can you use it for? We’ll show you the options.

Dan Kubiske, SPJ International Community co-chair
Pavel Zoneff The Tor Project director of strategic communication

What you can learn from prison journalists

Struggling to land interviews? Frustrated by the slow pace of public records? Feel like officials are ignoring you? Imagine what prison journalists face. The executive director of the nation’s only prison journalism awards program, who was formerly incarcerated himself, shares the shortcuts and workarounds that the most powerless journalists in the world use to get the job done.

Mike Anguille, SPJ Stillwater Awards executive director

Prying loose public records in trying times

A broad introduction to using open records laws at the federal and state levels, customized for your coverage area and in the context of the current political climate. You’ll also receive a checklist of all you need to know before making a request.

Diana Fuentes, Investigative Reporters & Editors executive director

The gun rights side of the suicide equation

The most common method of suicide includes the use of firearms, yet that’s rarely mentioned when news organizations talk about mass shootings or the gun rights/control debate. We’ll share the statistics – and the strategies – that journalists can use to be proactive reporting about suicide and provide context in the gun rights/control debate.

Nerissa Young, Ohio University

Don’t get hacked: digital security for journalists

Protecting yourself from an ever-growing list of cyber incidents might seem daunting. But you can make easy changes to safeguard your work and keep yourself and your sources safe. We’ll review the first steps of digital security for journalists. We’ll start with the basics of protecting your online accounts, then dive into protecting the devices you talk to your sources on, to keep them malware-free. Bring your questions and concerns, and we’ll try to help.

David Huerta, Freedom of the Press Foundation, senior digital security trainer

Advocacy: We fought the law and we won

States are constantly trying to restrict where journalists can film and what records they can obtain. The best way to fight back? Don’t go it alone. With strategic coalition-building, journalists can not just resist the rollback of their rights, they can actually change the law for the better. We’ve done it before, whether it was enacting stronger FOI laws in Oregon or passing a New Voices law in Maryland law. We’ll show you how to do similar things where you live.

Frank LoMonte, CNN legal counsel
Shasta Kearns Moore, Medical Motherhood
Rebecca Snyder, MD-DC-DE Press Association

How students can work with PBS News and local public media stations

PBS News Student Reporting Labs is a hands-on student journalism training program. Discover how students can pitch stories for national publication and get support from professional journalists, and how educators can access lesson plans and training. Also learn how other student reporters have been covering stories that inspire youth, from climate change to gun violence – and how you can get involved in future projects.

Leah Clapman, founder and executive director
Christine Zirneklis, communications director
Rawan Elbaba, digital producer
Anthony Payne, communications associate

Sprinkle serendipity into your reporting routine

Like the accidental discovery of penicillin, many reporters have bumped into stories that have won major awards, led to legislative change, or were touching and memorable. It’s called “serendipity,” and it’s an accident you can cultivate. We’ll take a fresh look at enterprise reporting and how great story ideas can find you.

Matthew Bird-Meyer, Monroe County Community College

Brand Me: Mastering social media to brand yourself

Using social media correctly means more than figuring out how to say something in 280 to 500 characters. What you say online impacts your personal brand, your newsroom, and your next job. Take an interactive look at how to properly use social media – and how to get results. You’ll leave with 10 steps and five strategy tips to go build an awesome personal brand.

Michele Boyet, The Breakers senior digital marketing manager

Transitioning from newspaper to newsmagazine

The Auburn Plainsman faced a forced transition from newspaper to newsmagazine with three weeks notice in May 2024. One year later, we’ve learned many lessons about how to successfully navigate this transition and maintain a robust news operation. These are lessons you can apply, too.

Billy Ferris, Auburn University

Making vertical video work for your newsroom

Looking to meet your readers where they are in today’s busy media landscape? That means taking to TikTok and Instagram Reels. But while it’s tempting to chase trends – and fun to film goofy BTS footage – how do you actually make vertical video fit with news reporting? Join a student managing editor and staff adviser who conceptualized and executed a plan to make newsy vertical video work for their newsroom. Discover tips and tricks they learned through trial-and-error, and walk out with the tools you need to take your vertical video to the next level.

Kevin O’Keeffe, Loyola Marymount University
Audrey Glass, The Los Angeles Loyolan managing editor

Brand me: Design a website to brand yourself

Once your social media branding is on point, it’s time to focus on your website. If you joined us for part 1 on social branding, #5 on the list of 10 things you can do to build an awesome personal brand is design a website. Whether it’s WordPress, Wix, Sanity, Storyblok on the next go-to CMS, learn what platform suits your needs and how to design a stellar digital resume.

Michele Boyet, The Breakers senior digital marketing manager

What works (and what doesn’t) when disclosing AI use in news

Working directly with newsrooms, Trusting News has been testing different AI disclosure language and strategies. We’ll share key findings from this real-world research. That includes audience reactions, what language resonates – and what doesn’t – and how transparency impacts trust. Journalists from participating newsrooms will discuss their experiences, what surprised them, and what lessons they learned. You’ll leave with best practices for communicating your AI use in ways that enhance transparency, credibility, and audience understanding.

Lynn Walsh, Trusting News assistant director

The amazing and awesome AP Style news quiz

Fortune and glory await those who join this interactive session where students compete to correctly answer the most Associated Press Stylebook-themed questions in an entertaining game-show environment. A cash prize and bragging rights await the champion. Think you’ve got what it takes for that person to be you?

Geoffrey Carr, North Idaho College

Covering climate on every beat

Climate change reporting isn’t limited to environment and health stories – it’s key to every beat, whether you’re covering breaking news, politics, sports, or business. Hear examples of climate reporting on wide-ranging beats from SciLine, based at American Association for the Advancement of Science. Also learn strategies to identify climate angles and get advice on including climate change evidence and expertise.

Elena Renken, SciLine journalism projects & multimedia manager

I’ve asked for feedback, what’s next?

At Trusting News, we know engaging with your audience can help build trust– with your newsroom, journalists, and journalism itself. It also leads to stories that are more impactful, useful, and relatable. But there’s a problem: While more newsrooms are asking their communities what they want, they’re not acting on that feedback or sharing what they learned. If you miss those two steps, you can’t really build trust. We’ll show you how other newsrooms have closed that feedback loop, and why they’re now thriving.

Lynn Walsh, Trusting News assistant director

The underdog’s playbook: lessons, tips and schemes from founding an independent student-run newspaper against all odds

In late September 2024, UT Dallas student journalists went on strike after our EIC’s bogus termination. We founded our own independent, censorship-free newspaper. A year and many trials later, we’re sharing what we’ve learned, how we’ve changed, and what other student journalists can take away from our whirlwind story to protect free speech and critical coverage on their campuses.

Gregorio Olivares Gutierrez, The Retrograde editor
Maria Shaikh, The Retrograde managing editor

Covering conservatives and their counterprotests

Student journalists share their experiences covering conservative speakers Riley Gaines and Charlie Kirk – including their counterprotests, citywide rallies, and the impact of the Trump administration on our communities. Gain insights into navigating sensitive topics, maintaining objectivity, and reporting ethically in challenging situations.

Paula Sibulo, San Francisco State University editor-in-chief

The First Amendment Free Food Festival: How we do it

Celebrating its 20th year, the FAFFF has been featured on national news and won national awards. Itcan be done any number of ways, so here’s how one school morphed it into “Free Speech Week” for the past 14 years. The week includes demonstrations, readings, speeches and more. Learn what we do, why we do it, and how you can, too. Oh, and get some free food and drink while you’re here.

Ted Petersen, Florida Tech

Let’s get linear

Horizontal design is so Y2K. Almost 90% of people get their news from their smartphones, so learning how to design for a vertical format is critical if you want to work in the field of journalism – or almost any design field.

Gary Metzker, Cal State Long Beach
KC Shaper, Washington Post projects editor

How to ask tough questions and actively listen

Interviewing is an art and the most important skill for an unforgettable story. However, many times, it can be intimidating for the source and the young interviewer. The key is learning to gently and genuinely ask tough questions and actively listen. We’ll present a case study and discuss interviewing for print and broadcast.

Chris Delboni, Nova Southeastern University
Madison Kasper, Nova Southeastern University TV general manager
Bryce Johnson, Nova Southeastern University editor in chief

Hearing the story: How audio amplifies your media

Explores the sound of storytelling. Learn how natural and immersive sound transforms video packages, podcasts, and more. Gain practical tips and hear real-world examples to amplify narratives and elevate your media’s impact. Perfect for students and advisors seeking powerful audio skills.

Luling Huang, Missouri Western State University
James Carviou, Missouri Western State University

Journalism with a soul: Write true stories that AI can’t

Learn how college journalists can craft stories that go beyond the reach of generative AI. Use the tools of literary journalism – scene, character, voice, and theme – ethically and effectively in news, sports, and feature writing. We’ll also examine how AI can support, not replace, great storytelling.

Jeff Browne, Stevenson University

How to radio: lessons from a student run station

UConn’s student-run radio station has been broadcasting nonstop since 1923. Today, we have more than 85 DJs on air every week, weekly department committee meetings and host multiple annual concerts for our constituents. Through trial and error, we’ve learned what works with recruiting and retaining members and we’re looking forward to sharing our insight with other stations.

Gillian Brown, WHUS general manager
Katie Servas, WHUS Radio news director
Lily Goldblatt, WHUS Radio program director
Henry St. Pierre, WHUS training director

Lessons we taught ourselves: solving student media problems

Learn from students who have succeeded in three key areas: using graduate assistantships to solve news deserts, how to establish a proactive breaking news system, and how “small but mighty” can work for student media at smaller schools.These aren’t theories. They’re solutions that are still working where these students are.

Eric Boll, Ohio University PhD student
Jeremy Garza, California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo) managing editor
Gabriel Mott, Ohio Northern University editor in chief

Deadlines and dating? Leading college newsrooms

College newsroom leaders face particular workplace challenges, including constant turnover, cliques, seniors bristling at being led by sophomores, and staffers in and out of relationships with each other. We’ll discuss these college-specific issues and offer concrete tips to bring transparency and stability to your newsroom.

Kathleen McElroy, University of Texas at Austin
Barbara Allen, Center for Ethical Leadership in Media

Sports photography fundamentals

Sports photography is often associated with a peak action play – a slam dunk, a slide into home plate, or a touchdown dive. But there’s so much more to being a sports photographer. We’ll introduce the fundamentals of capturing dynamic action shots and offer practical tips on positioning, techniques, and the unique challenges of shooting in different environments.

Dylan Wilson, Augusta University

Shifting approaches to game coverage

Games remain the most important part of sports coverage, but how we cover them has changed significantly. We should lean more into telling stories, not reciting play-by-play. We’ll discuss ways to improve your abilities to do this across various media platforms.

Joe Gisondi, Eastern Illinois University

Truth with a camera: empathy in visual reporting

Cornell Capa championed the “concerned photographer” – one whose images transcend cynicism to reveal raw human truth. We’ll explore how empathy in photojournalism creates powerful emotional connections, drawing audiences into the heart of a story. Discover how the lens becomes a bridge between observer and subject, fostering deeper understanding and impact.

Christopher Tyree, Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism co-founder
Martin Smith-Rodden, Ball State University
Josh Meltzer, Rochester Institute of Technology
Andrea Bruce, former Washington Post staff photojournalist

Prioritizing inclusive journalism in a polarizing environment

As the Trump administration and corporate America eradicate DEI efforts and schools suppress teaching all of American history, it is even more important for the Fourth Estate to truly be an inclusive rough draft of history. This session will teach students and student publication(s) leaders best practices to cover all of their campuses and tips to earn the trust of marginalized groups on campus.

Sherri Williams, American University

More than a gamer: public records and athletics department

College sports reporting is too deferential to the institutions they cover, and students too often miss out on excellent stories as a result of having their head in the sand. Learn how to use public records to cover the athletic department with a critical eye.

Wesley Wright, Florida Atlantic University

Don’t get hacked: digital security for journalists

Protecting yourself from an ever-growing list of cyber incidents might seem daunting. But you can make easy changes to safeguard your work and keep yourself and your sources safe. We’ll review the first steps of digital security for journalists. We’ll start with the basics of protecting your online accounts, then dive into protecting the devices you talk to your sources on, to keep them malware-free. Bring your questions and concerns, and we’ll try to help.

David Huerta, Freedom of the Press Foundation, senior digital security trainer

Press freedom as a news beat

Press freedom is an ongoing concern of all journalists, but it often gets covered as a sidebar to other stories. Rarely do we see the First Amendment as the anchor for the story. Three experienced journalists will provide hard examples of how to tell stories that educate your readers/viewers/listeners about the important role free and independent journalism plays in maintaining a democratic and inclusive society.

Kirstin McCudden, US Press Freedom Tracker managing editor
Jessica Jerreat, Voice of America press freedom editor
Angele Latham, The Tennessean First Amendment reporter

Time for action: How journalism can reclaim its professional status

Journalists must do more to counter the prolonged attacks on the professional news industry before it’s too late. The public no longer makes the distinction between standards-based journalism and the “media,” which is virtually anyone, any place and anything with a platform. We have to show them.

Meredith Jordan, Port Townsend Leader editor

You did the story, now you need the audience

So many journalists excel at great storytelling and investigative pieces. But we are not always so great at getting the audience we want for the articles we write. How do we increase our reach, get the attention of the “news resistance,” get young audiences to pay attention, and create versions of our stories that can go far and wide? We offer 8 tips on going where the eyeballs are, plus the philosophical underpinnings that suggest journalists have a moral imperative to take their powerful work where audiences are – rather than waiting for audiences to come to them.

Kyle Spencer, Pro-Democracy Information Lab/Reporting Right founder

Media: A cornerstone of global democracy

For more than 80 years, the United States has exported its ideals of the First Amendment through supporting or supplying independent journalism in countries where a free press is in short supply. Under the current administration, this powerful tool of soft power has been dismantled, with the ending of USAID and silencing of Voice of America (VOA). We’ll examine how funding international journalism supports national security priorities, the impact and reach of these programs, and what is filling the void left by USAID and VOA.

Liam Scott, The Press Freedom Report author
Patsy Widakuswara, former Voice of America White House bureau chief
Steve Herman, Jordan Center for Journalism Advocacy and Innovation executive director

Digging deep: Finding stories in public records

Regardless of beat, experience level, or newsroom size, you can turn government documents and data into impactful enterprise stories. Learn how to spot narratives in public records, uncover hidden documents, and develop data-driven projects even without a dedicated data team. We’ll also cover real-world examples and easy-to-launch story ideas to present your findings in ways that resonate with readers and make an impact.

Chris Coates, Lee Enterprises senior director-local news

Creating great yearbooks: From planning to perfection

Want to have fabulous designs in your yearbook? Start with a plan to design your pages with storytelling moments, inclusive coverage and type choices that speak the message to your audience.

Laura Schaub, University of Oklahoma and Friesens

The best yearbook ever!

Want to make your yearbook the most popular book ever produced at your university? From a creative, meaningful themes to contemporary designs and storytelling photos, your staff can learn how to build a beautiful book with all-inclusive coverage.

Laura Schaub, University of Oklahoma and Friesens

Beyond the black box: Using DIY algorithm audits to develop stories That Promote AI Literacy

We’ll cover six practical steps to conducting algorithm audits that promote public understanding of AI and Big Tech accountability. An algorithm audit is a method of varying inputs to observe an algorithm’s outputs. Journalists can use them to identify and report bias in search or recommender systems, including how specific news topics are distributed.

Andy Lee Roth, Project Censored’s developer of Algorithmic Literacy for Journalists

Candy is dandy! What IS news?

Come join in on a fun way to learn or reinforce the characteristics of newsworthiness and talk about just what news IS. And…we have candy.

Tammy Merrett, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Catch their eye: Designing visual stories for yearbooks and magazines

Explore how to create stunning visual stories, designs, and frames that captivate readers. Turn nonbreaking experiences that pop, using bold visuals and smart storytelling. Ideas for designers, editors, and advisers ready to make impact.

Randy Stano, University of Miami

Affiliate marketing clicks!

Turn student media socials into real-world job experience and possibly extra income through affiliate marketing. Learn what it is and how it can be used to enhance audience metrics and potentially monetize existing content through the example of SMU Look Media’s affiliation with Shop Rodeo.

Jenny Davis, Southern Methodist University
Monet Manesh, SMU Look Magazine director of affiliate marketing
Lindsay Rust Perper, Shop Rodeo CEO

Covering courts: trials and errors

Learn how to cover the quirks of the courts, whether it’s how to read a 100-page legal opinion on deadline or how to report when the judge won’t allow electronics in the courtroom. Also hear about the challenges facing reporters who cover the never-ending stream of cases resulting from Trump Administration decisions. Katelyn Polantz has covered lawsuits against the federal government from Harvard University, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and federal employees seeking to keep their jobs. Frank LoMonte is an attorney noted for his First Amendment advocacy and former executive director of the Student Press Law Center.

Frank LoMonte, CNN legal counsel
Katelyn Polantz, CNN legal reporter

How to cover a music festival before you’re old enough to drink at one

Yes, you can cover 13 bands in eight hours. You can interview musicians and not get lame answers. You can write a review before your first caffeine buzz wears off and a detailed preview for the next day without staying up all night. Learn how to plan your day (and even the best times to eat) from a reporter who’s been getting paid to do it since she was in college and has been featured in Teen Vogue RockSound, Cosmopolitan and more.

Emily Bloch, SPJ president and Philadelphia Inquirer reporter

From journalist to grant writer in under an hour

The only thing holding you back from writing grants is understanding the formula behind the grant application’s prompts. Learn how to craft a grant proposal from start to finish, from someone who won a six-figure grant for her nonprofit newspaper. Leave with a grant-writing prep worksheet and the opportunity to have one of your grant proposals reviewed one-on-one.

Nicole DeCriscio, The Owen News executive editor

Women’s Work: How to lead the media

In a media world where most workers are women and most leaders are men, how do you deal with your boss? How do you become a boss yourself? How do you become your own boss? A panel of professional women – including former editors of their college newspapers – share their stories and ask for yours.

moderator: Michele Boyet, The Breakers senior digital marketing manager
Tara Puckey, RTDNA executive director
Additional panelists TBD

Background your source like a Hinge match: advanced social sleuthing

We all have that friend who can line up a Hinge match’s home address, date of birth, and all the tea on their ex before even hearing their last name – maybe it’s you. Now what if we told you those sleuthing skills are applicable to your next assignment? Reporters Lulu Ramadan and Emily Bloch use a mix of public records and social media lurking to flesh out some of their biggest stories. They’ll show you how and leave you creepin’ for journalism’s sake.

Emily Bloch, SPJ president and Philadelphia Inquirer reporter
Lulu Ramadan, Seattle Times investigative reporter

“You’re biased!” Tips to depolarize your coverage

Too often, journalism amplifies extreme views and ignores more nuanced ones. With public trust in news at an all-time low, it’s crucial for newsrooms to understand what content feels divisive to their audiences and work to provide more reflective and empathy-building coverage. See examples from newsrooms that are routinely working to reach more diverse audiences – across race and the political spectrum – and walk away with proven strategies. You’ll also get a newsroom-tested checklist you can bring back to your organization.

Lynn Walsh, Trusting News assistant director

From combat to college: Covering student veterans on and off campus

Explore the complexities of covering the transition from military service to campus life, and how campus media can accurately represent the student veteran experience. From navigating PTSD and reintegration struggles to highlighting success stories, we’ll discuss strategies for reporting and writing compelling and impactful stories that honor the journey of those who have served. Whether you’re a journalist or an educator, this conversation will offer practical insights on understanding and writing about the multifaceted lives of student veterans.

Jacob Ritondo, The Crimson White managing editor
Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press, retired
Linda F. Hersey, Stars and Stripes veterans reporter

Getting stories right when science is under attack

With long-held scientific consensus under attack and misinformation rampant on issues such as climate change, vaccines and health and environmental issues, it’s more important than ever that journalists understand how to access, understand and incorporate evidence-based scientific research into their work. Hear from an academic expert about what science suggests are the most effective ways of combatting and debunking false information and organizations offering a range of free services helping newsrooms meet this moment and access critical resources for your reporting.

Matt DeRienzo, SciLine director

Earning audience trust in an age of news avoidance

People are feeling overwhelmed by information these days. They’re often choosing to tune out from the news – or they’re turning to sources besides news outlets to stay informed in a way that feels manageable. We’ll talk about how people feel about the news, what they’re showing they need from the news, and how journalists can lean into the current reality. We can’t turn everyone into news junkies, but we can engage in ways that respect people’s time and respond to their evolving needs.

Mollie Muchna, Trusting News program manager