]]>“How To Make Audio Podcasting Work For You” will take place Friday, May 6 at the Madison Area Technical College – Downtown campus, 211 North Carroll Street, in Madison. Morning sessions and lunch will be held in Room 240; a hands-on training session will be in Room 421. It will begin at 10 a.m. with registration starting at 9:30 a.m
Podcasting training is free for SPJ members. There is a charge of $10 for students, who are eligible to attend the morning sessions, $20 for other morning-only session attendees, and $30 for attendees of the morning and afternoon sessions. The later session will be a hands-on training course in audio recording and editing for a podcast that is limited to 20 attendees.
A catered lunch and snacks are included with all registrations. The morning sessions will be turned into podcasts, and the podcast links will be made available after those sessions have ended on the Writer’s Life Lecture Series podcast.
Madison College’s Journalism Program, of the School of Arts and Sciences, is generously sponsoring the event.
The session schedule is as follows:
9:30-10:00: Registration
10:00-11:00: “Podcasting 101 For Journalists”
Led by Madison College journalism instructor Larry Hansen, this session will offer an overview of the medium’s role in news coverage as well as covering the do’s and don’ts of podcasting along the way. Hansen will be joined by fellow Madison College instructor and former Wisconsin Public Radio Morning Edition host Terry Bell and Isthmus staff writer Dylan Brogan.
11:00-12:00:”Podcasting in Wisconsin’s Newsrooms”
Wisconsin journalists will share their experiences with producing podcasts for their respective news outlets while sharing tips for getting started. Panelists include Katie O’Connell, producer and host of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s “Behind the Headlines” and “Unsolved” podcasts; Jason Galloway, Wisconsin State Journal Badgers football beat reporter and host of “The Red Zone” podcast; James Mills, freelance journalist, author, and creator of “The Joy Trip Project” podcast
12:00-1:00 – Lunch and Networking
1-3:15: “Podcasting Basics: A ‘Hands-On’ Workshop”
Get a hands-on approach to recording audio, sound editing, and voicing while pulling together a sample podcast. A focus will be on the program, Garage Band, but trainer Terry Bell will also provide tips for other free programs available. This program is limited to 20 attendees; slots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Panelists may change. Register here.
Direct questions to Breann Schossow, SPJ Madison secretary, at [email protected] or journalism instructor Larry Hansen, at [email protected].
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]]>Dreps, who last month was inducted into the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame, is retiring from full-time practice at the Madison office of Godfrey & Kahn.
“Thanks to Bob Dreps, the actions of government have been opened to scrutiny, and public officials have been held accountable,” said Andy Hall, executive director of the investigative center. “He is a hero to those who treasure our democracy.”
The award is a highlight of the sixth annual Wisconsin Watchdog Awards reception and dinner, presented jointly by the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council and the Madison Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
“Thanks to Bob Dreps, the actions of government have been opened to scrutiny, and public officials have been held accountable,” said Andy Hall, executive director of the investigative center. “He is a hero to those who treasure our democracy.”
The public is invited to the April 20 event, a celebration of open government and investigative journalism. Proceeds support the nonprofit and nonpartisan Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, the participation of young journalists in the event and a special investigative reporting workshop.
Past winners of the Distinguished Wisconsin Watchdog Award are Dave Zweifel, editor emeritus of Capital Times and a founder of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council; the late Dick Wheeler, founder of the Wheeler Report newsletter; U.S. District Court Judge Lynn Adelman, chief author of the state’s open records law; Dave Umhoefer, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; and Meg Kissinger, investigative health reporter at the Journal Sentinel, who has tirelessly exposed flaws in Wisconsin’s mental health system.
The event begins with a reception at 5 p.m. April 20, followed by dinner at 6 at The Madison Club, 5 E. Wilson St. Tickets cost $55 and are available at: https://2016watchdog.eventbrite.com/
Dreps graduated first in his class in 1984 from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He served as a clerk to Judge John W. Reynolds, then chief U.S. District Court judge for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. As a private attorney, Dreps represented the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, the Freedom of Information Council and dozens of newspapers and other news media organizations in state and federal cases.
The Wisconsin Newspaper Association is the lead sponsor of the Wisconsin Watchdog Awards. The MacIver Institute for Public Policy is a supporting sponsor. Event sponsors include the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin, The Cap Times, Wisconsin State Journal, and Schott Bublitz & Engel law firm. Bender Westerberg LLC is a friend sponsor, with additional support from Simpson Street Free Press. Additional sponsors are welcomed. Information about becoming a sponsor is available from Andy Hall at [email protected] and at https://wisconsinwatch.org/about/donations/watchdog-sponsorship/
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]]>Records advocates plan traveling show
Among the many remarkable things about the defeat of the proposed overhaul of the Wisconsin Public Records Law over the July 4 weekend last summer was the way the media, open government groups, advocacy organizations on the left and right, and the public coalesced to point out how ill-conceived the idea was.
The reaction to this sneak attack on open government was immediate, overwhelming and decisive. No other issue in state government in recent years has generated such a uniform—and effective—response. Gov. Scott Walker and the legislature leaders backed down within 48 hours.
Lawmakers seemed chastened, but advocates of open government must remain vigilant. In fact, the efforts to restrict the public’s access to information have not stopped.
It’s not a stretch to suggest that open government in Wisconsin is threatened; some might say it’s under attack. That’s because the attempt to gut the records law is just one of several examples from the past year suggesting lawmakers’ disregard for the public’s right to know.
In response, the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council and the Madison chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists are joining with open government advocates from both sides of the political aisle and media groups to bring what we’re calling the Open Government Traveling Show to communities across the state.
For three days in mid-March, during the nationwide celebration of open government known as Sunshine Week, we’ll be offering a 90-minute tutorial and presentation on the state’s open records law in eight Wisconsin cities. The goal is to help Wisconsin residents understand how the law can be used and why it is important.
In addition to WFOIC, SPJ-Madison and lawyer April Barker of Schott, Bublitz and Engel S.C., the conservative groups the MacIver Institute for Public Policy, the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty and the liberal groups the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and the Center for Media and Democracy will take part in the Open Government Traveling Show. Despite their differences on many policy issues, these groups agree on the importance of open government.
And in fact, representatives of the MacIver Institute and WILL, along with Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel, were among the most influential voices last year opposing the records changes at the Capitol.
Also supporting the Traveling Show is the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism.
From March 15 to 17, the tour will visit eight cities: La Crosse, Eau Claire, Wausau, Green Bay, Appleton, Sheboygan, Waukesha and Janesville. If it’s successful, we’ll consider another tour in the future.
Wisconsin’s open records law is a vital component of our representative democracy. It should be strengthened, not weakened. And we must fight to protect it.
Your Right to Know is a monthly column distributed by the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council (www.wisfoic.org), a nonprofit group dedicated to open government. Council member Mark Pitsch is an assistant city editor at the Wisconsin State Journal and president of the Madison chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
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]]>February 23, 2016
Contact: Mark Pitsch, (608) 252-6145; Bill Lueders, (608) 669-4712
Open Government Advocates to Take Show on the Road
Advocates of open government in Wisconsin are planning a three-day, eight-city informational tour to highlight the importance of the state’s open records law, in the wake of unprecedented attacks from state lawmakers and others.
“An open society depends on open government. Wisconsin residents understand that,” says Mark Pitsch, president of the Madison chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and an assistant city editor at the Wisconsin State Journal. “Last summer’s attempt to gut the records law is just one of several recent examples of official disregard for the public’s right to know. It’s time for education and vigilance.”
The “Open Government Traveling Show” will take place from Tuesday, March 15, through Thursday, March 17, as part of national Sunshine Week, the annual “celebration of access to public information.”
The events—free and open to the public—are aimed at helping Wisconsin residents understand the open records law and how to use it. Each 90-minute presentation will feature a tutorial on the records law and examples of its use by journalists and advocates.
Participants will include representatives of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, the Madison chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, the Center for Media and Democracy, the MacIver Institute for Public Policy and Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.
The tour is also supported by the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism. Each stop has its own local sponsor.
The traveling show will take place in the following locations:
La Crosse: March 15, 2 p.m. La Crosse Public Library. Local sponsor: La Crosse Tribune.
Eau Claire: March 15, 7 p.m. Centennial Hall, Room 1614, UW-Eau Claire. Local sponsor: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, UW-Eau Claire chapter, Society of Professional Journalists
Wausau: March 16, 10 a.m. Marathon County Public Library. Local sponsor: Wausau Daily Herald-USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay: March 16, 2 p.m. Green Bay Public Library. Local Sponsor: Green Bay Press-Gazette-USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN
Appleton: March 16, 7:30 p.m. Appleton Public Library. Local sponsor: Appleton Post-Crescent-USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Sheboygan: March 17, 10 a.m. Sheboygan Public Library. Local sponsor: Sheboygan Press-USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Waukesha: March 17, 2 p.m, Waukesha Public Library. Local sponsor: Schott, Bublitz and Engel S.C.
Janesville: March 17, 7 p.m. Blackhawk Technical College. Local sponsor: Janesville Gazette
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]]>Monthly Business Meeting
Jan. 4, 2016, 7:00 p.m.
Next Door Brewing Company, 2439 Atwood Ave., Madison
Agenda
Jan. 4, 2016
- Call to order
- Approval of minutes
- Treasurer’s Report
- Membership Report
- President’s Report
- Holiday Party and Raffle, Dec. 17
- Open Government Traveling Show update
- Reporting on Religion planning
- Watchdog Awards update
- Upcoming event ideas: Spotlight, Podcasting training, Meet the Media, Freelance event
- Public Records Board: Transitory Records
- Reimbursements
- New Business
- Adjourn
Votes could be taken on any Action or New Business item
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]]>The event will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the Argus Bar, 123 E. Main St., just a block off the Capitol Square in Madison. All area journalists and journalism supporters are invited, and the event is free.
The party will feature a pot-luck meal, so please bring an appetizer, side dish, main dish or dessert to share.
Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Simpson Street Free Press. SSFP is a Madison-based nonprofit that teaches reading, writing and critical thinking skills. Middle and high school students publish news articles on a variety of platforms.
SPJ Madison is seeking raffle items. Individuals and news organizations that wish to donate items for the raffle should contact SPJ Madison president Mark Pitsch at [email protected]
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]]>The personal safety presentation comes after the shooting of an anchor and photographer during a live broadcast in Virginia in August.
“The Dane County Sheriff’s Department is partnering with SPJ Madison Pro Chapter to ensure that journalists in south-central Wisconsin have the tools to both do their jobs as reporters and photographers while remaining safe on the job,” said SPJ Region 6 Director Joe Radske.
A seminar this weekend with Deputy Kelly Rehwoldt will offer personal safety tips journalists can use in their daily lives. Rehwoldt is a 22-year veteran and a full-time trainer with the Sheriff’s Office.
If you’re interested, contact Joe Radske at: [email protected]
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]]>Keep them in your thoughts along with the WDBJ-7 family. SPJ National released the following statement.
“The Society of Professional Journalists is deeply saddened and shocked by the news today regarding the fatal shootings of WDBJ-7 journalists Alison Parker, 24, and Adam Ward, 27.
Parker, a reporter, and Ward, a videographer, were on assignment for a feature story in Moneta, Va., for the CBS affiliate in Roanoke, Va. Reports say the gunman knew the victims and was a disgruntled former co-worker.
While journalists know the inherent risks of reporting in war zones or in areas of unrest abroad, I am sure these two young journalists never imagined doing an early morning live shot at a local recreational plaza would have been so dangerous or deadly. The senseless loss of these lives is tragic.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their families, friends and WDBJ-7 team. We also wish the third victim, Vicki Gardner, of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, a full recovery.”
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SPJ Madison, Next Door Brewing collaborate on American wheat beer to honor the First Amendment, open government and Wisconsin journalism
MADISON – The Madison chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and Next Door Brewing invite journalists and advocates of open government to celebrate Sunshine Week with the tapping of Sunshine Wheat, an American wheat beer featuring local hops and malts, on Monday, March 16.
The celebration takes place from 6-9 p.m. at Next Door Brewing, 2439 Atwood Avenue, Madison. The first 50 attendees will receive a souvenir beer glass thanks to the generous lead sponsorship of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. WKOW-TV, the Wisconsin State Journal, Schott, Bublitz and Engel, and the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism are supporting sponsors. Two tickets to upcoming Isthmus events – Isthmus Food Cart Fest, Paddle & Portage, Beer & Cheese Fest — will be awarded in a drawing, courtesy of Isthmus. With Gusto is making a poster for the event, prints of which will be available for $15 each.
Next Door head brewer Bryan Kreiter will speak about creating the beer and his use of local ingredients at 7 p.m. He will be followed with remarks by WNA executive director Beth Bennett about Sunshine Week.
Invited special guests include Wisconsin food and beer writers Chris “Beer Baron” Drosner, Robin Shepard, Laurel White, Linda Falkenstein, Barry Adams, Kathy Flanigan and George Zens.
March 16 is the 264th anniversary of the birth of James Madison, father of the First Amendment and the man for whom the City of Madison is named. Sunshine Week, a national event in support of open government, runs March 15-21.
The event is free, and all area journalists are welcome to attend. There will be a cash bar; appetizers will be provided. RSVPs are appreciated to [email protected].
Based in Indianapolis, SPJ is a national membership organization that promotes high professional and ethical standards among journalists, First Amendment principles and the belief that a free and vigorous press is vital in a representative democracy. The Madison professional chapter was formed around 1990. Membership costs $75 annually, and it is open to journalists who spend at least half of their professional life writing or editing work for publication.
Contact: Mark Pitsch, [email protected]; 608-252-6145
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]]>Oct. 1, 2014
The Madison chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists was distressed to learn that press minders sought to prevent reporters from interviewing people who attended a Mary Burke campaign event in Milwaukee on Monday, Sept. 29, featuring First Lady Michelle Obama.
The good news is that the campaign of gubernatorial candidate Burke and the White House have a chance to get it right. Obama is returning to Wisconsin for a Burke campaign event in Madison on Tuesday, Oct. 7. We call on the White House and the Burke campaign to allow reporters to speak to event attendees at any time – before, during or after the event. A Burke campaign spokesman told us today there would be no restrictions at the Madison event.
According to reporters, aides to both the Burke campaign and the White House sought to prevent reporters covering the Milwaukee event from speaking with event attendees until the event ended. Here’s how Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Meg Kissinger described it on Facebook:
“To say that I was creeped out is an understatement. This is what reporters do in America: we speak to people. At least that’s how I’ve been doing things — at all kinds of political events — since 1979.”
One press minder even told the chairman of the state Democratic Party to stop talking to a reporter because he was inside the press pen. The Burke spokesman told us he intervened and allowed the interview to proceed.
These are not the only restrictions that have been imposed by campaigns on the media in recent years. Wisconsin-based reporters have noted increasing attempts to prevent them from doing their jobs, including holding pens, limits on who can be interviewed, and more.
During the 2012 presidential campaign, for example, the campaigns of President Barack Obama and Vice Presidential nominee Paul Ryan hand-picked event attendees to be interviewed, one reporter told SPJ. That year campaigns for the Wisconsin U.S. Senate candidates roped off media from people attending Election Night parties in an effort to prevent interviews. At the Republican state convention this year, party officials told some reporters not to interview delegates in the audience.
As we near Nov. 4 and campaign season accelerates, we urge the political parties and individual campaigns to grant the press open access to candidates, supporters and event attendees.
Contact: Mark Pitsch, Madison SPJ president, 608-252-6145
This statement has been updated from an earlier version to correct a description of reporter’s events involving an interview with the state Democratic Party chairman.
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