Free training: Covering and Protecting Your Elections, Oct. 11

Posted on by

Get the tools to detect misinformation, protect yourself and your data online, and connect with voters and help them get the full story — from training provided free by SPJ and the Google News Initiative!

WHEN: 1 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11

WHERE: Room 544, Beus Center for Law and Society, Arizona State University Downtown Campus, 111 E. Taylor St., Phoenix

WHO: Trainers are Mike Reilley, visiting professor in data journalism and digital journalism at the University of Illinois-Chicago (and former faculty member at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication) and consults with national media organizations on digital innovation. Dan Petty is director of audience development for Digital First Media. He develops and implements strategies to help grow the company’s digital audience across web, mobile, social and other third-party platforms. Robert Leger was president of SPJ’s Sigma Delta Chi Foundation from 2012 to 2018, and a member of the board since 2000. He was president of SPJ in 2002-03 and received the Wells Memorial Key, the Society’s highest honor, in 2012.

He was a newspaper guy for 37 years, the final 22 years writing and editing for the editorial pages of the Arizona Republic and Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader. He now writes, edits and provides messaging advice through Leger Strategies, LLC.

Register here.

BASICS: During election season, misleading news reports can sway opinions. Digital attacks can take important websites offline, silencing information when voters need it most. Journalists need access to accurate information, and a clear understanding of how to break down complicated topics with data. These are areas where Google tools and workflows can provide real value.

The SPJ Training Program, in association with the Google News Initiative, is offering free training on a wide range of Google tools and workflows that can help you engage your audience, research and report information around the elections, and use data visualizations in powerful new ways. Get more information here. Register here.