The Future of Journalism: Real News in a Fake News Era

Coverage and video of the event

Sponsored by:

  • New York State Associated Press Association
  • Fordham University’s Department of Communication and Media Studies
  • WFUV Public Radio

Where and When:

October 21st, 2017
Fordham University Lincoln Center
113 W 60th St, New York, NY 10023

Agenda:

9:00 AM: Attendee Registration

9:20 AM: Welcoming Remarks

  • Dwayne Desaulniers, AP Regional Director — Northeast USA
  • Jacqueline Reich , Chair, Department of Communication and Media Studies
  • George Bodarky, News Director, WFUV Public Radio

9:30 – 10:30 AM: Opening Session, 12th Floor Lounge

  • Truth Testing in a Post-Truth Era: Fake News was one of this year’s biggest buzz terms. There is so much misinformation spread around that audiences no longer know what to believe. That said, it’s more important than ever for journalists in all mediums to verify their facts. In our opening session you’ll learn the process of fact-checking; common mistakes and how to avoid them; how to identify and assess credible sources; best practices for live fact-checking; and more. Our esteemed panel of experts includes Barbara Gray who teaches research methods and oversees the Research Center at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism (she’s the former director of news research at The New York Times), Brooke Borel, author of The Chicago Guide to Fact-Checking, and Michelle Harris, an independent researcher/checker who works for this American Life, Radiolab, various National Geographic publications. This session is moderated by Karen DeWitt, Capitol Bureau Chief for New York State Public Radio and NYS Associated Press Association board member.

10:40 – 11:45 AM: Break-Out Sessions

  • Session A – #youngandsuccessful: Four successful young journalists (30 and under) in New York City share their experiences and tips for success in the fast-moving, ever-changing journalism field. What skills are most essential? What are the biggest challenges you might expect as you forge your own path? How do you set yourself apart from the pack? How do you best serve your audience? How do you market yourself ? Our panel features Nisha Chittal, Director of Audience Development at Tasting Table (formerly manager of social media, MSNBC), Alexandra Schwartz, staff writer for The New Yorker, Lorenzo Ferrigno, News Producer @Snapchat, and Sarah Gonzalez, youth and families reporter at WNYC. This session is moderated by Connor Ryan, Social Media Editor at the New York Post and a 2015 graduate of Fordham University.
  • Session B – Journalism in a World of Smart Machines – Artificial intelligence and augmented reality software are already influencing newsrooms around the world. In some cases, the technology is helping reporters get the job done and in other cases, AI is making direct story contributions to the daily news flow. What AI is present today and what is to come? How will these emerging technologies change our industry? Join Francesco Marconi from The Associated Press Strategy team for this deeply important and interesting review and discussion about how AI and AR are influencing the world of news.
  • Session C – Unleash Your Inner Broadcaster — In today’s media landscape, “broadcasting” isn’t just for radio and television people. More and more print journalists and those new to broadcasting are required to use their voices for podcasts and other online content. However, finding your voice isn’t always easy. Learn techniques so you can deliver copy in a clear, conversational manner and more effectively communicate with your audience. We’ll have scripts to help you unleash your inner broadcaster, but please feel free to bring your own. NOTE: While this session is a great way for print journalists to develop stronger vocal ability, it’s also an excellent session for radio and television broadcasters to fine-tune their skills and sound better on the air. It is also a great way for newsroom managers to learn new techniques for coaching their own staffs. Your presenter is George Bodarky, a nationally recognized vocal coach. George is also the News Director of WFUV Public Radio and an adjunct professor at Fordham University and CUNY’s Graduate School of Journalism.

11:55 – 12:55 PM MAIN SESSION, 12th Floor Lounge

  • The Watchdogs Still Barks: Digging out truth has arguably never been a more important function of the press than it is today. Experts in investigative and enterprise journalism will explain why their work matters, and how young reporters can learn to undertake investigations that make a difference.

1:00 – 2:00 PM Lunch, 12th Floor Lounge

2:10 – 3:25 PM GENERAL SESSION, 12th Floor Lounge

  • Keynote Address: Seeking the Truth and Reporting the Facts
  • Dan Shelley, Executive Director of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) will discuss RTDNA’s efforts to fight the range of threats that impede journalists from doing their jobs. The group launched a First Amendment task force earlier this year.

3:35 – 4:35 PM BREAK-OUT SESSIONS

  • Session D – The Art of the Interview: The stories you tell, whether in print, video or audio, are only as good as the information you collect. The interview is one of — if not the — most important tools journalists have to obtain information and clarify facts. In this session you’ll pick up tips to master the art of interviewing, including how best to prepare for an interview, different ways to ask questions, how to establish rapport with interview subjects, how to deal with your emotions during difficult interviews, how to snag exclusive interviews.
  • Session E – Google Tools Training For Journalists: Learn the skills every journalist needs for reporting in the digital age. This session offers a broad range of practical tools you can use immediately, including Advanced Search, Reverse Image Search and sourcing Google Trends data.
  • Session F – Unleash Your Inner Broadcaster — In today’s media landscape, “broadcasting” isn’t just for radio and television people. More and more print journalists and those new to broadcasting are required to use their voices for podcasts and other online content. However, finding your voice isn’t always easy. Learn techniques so you can deliver copy in a clear, conversational manner and more effectively communicate with your audience. We’ll have scripts to help you unleash your inner broadcaster, but please feel free to bring your own. NOTE: While this session is a great way for print journalists to develop stronger vocal ability, it’s also an excellent session for radio and television broadcasters to fine-tune their skills and sound better on the air. It is also a great way for newsroom managers to learn new techniques for coaching their own staffs. Your presenter is George Bodarky, a nationally recognized vocal coach. George is also the News Director of WFUV Public Radio and an adjunct professor at Fordham University and CUNY’s Graduate School of Journalism.

4:45 PM – Closing Remarks, 12th Floor Lounge

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