New England Newspaper & Press Association

SciLine has helped thousands of journalists add small but important doses of science to their local news stories. Now, we’re offering a FREE one-hour “crash course”—designed specifically for local and general assignment reporters—to teach basic principles about how science works and ways it can be used to strengthen virtually any news story.

Former longtime Washington Post science reporter Rick Weiss and Ph.D. neuroscientist Dr. Tori Espensen will together lay out key do’s, don’ts, and pitfalls to watch for when including science in your news reporting. Among the topics covered:

• Knowing whether and how science can enhance your story;
• Different kinds of studies and what each can—and cannot—reveal;
• Practical tips for identifying credible scientist-sources and interviewing them; and
• How to get the essentials from scientific reports, studies, and press releases.

Forty-five minutes of interactive teaching will be followed by a 15-min open Q&A.

REGISTRATION IS FREE AND OPEN TO LOCAL AND GENERAL ASSIGNMENT PRINT, RADIO, AND TV REPORTERS.

Donald Trump’s return to power will usher in major changes to the country’s health policies, social safety net, and the federal agencies that oversee many of these programs. As the 47th president, Trump said he will let ally Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “go wild on health; I’m going to let him go wild on the food; I’m going to let him go wild on medicine.” What will that wildness entail? More specific conservative proposals have called for gutting LGBTQ health programs, clamping down on reproductive care and access to abortion pills, and imposing work requirements on Medicaid recipients. In this webinar, we’ll bring together some of the nation’s most insightful health policy journalists for an informative discussion on where we go from here. What are we likely to see early on in a second Trump presidency, who will lead these efforts, and how these policy shifts impact vulnerable Americans? Join us for timely insights that can guide your coverage as we look ahead from this tumultuous moment in American politics.

This free webinar is presented by the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism and made possible by the Commonwealth Fund and The California Endowment.

While becoming a freelance photographer can provide independence and the potential for professional growth, the role comes with unique day-to-day challenges. The first: where to start?

By attending this class, you’ll learn:
– What to expect when working as an independent photographer.
– How you can attract clients and build your portfolio.
– The best business practices for new freelance photographers.

The 30 Minute Skills program is presented by the New England First Amendment Coalition. The goal of the program is to provide reporters and other citizens with knowledge they can use immediately in newsgathering, data collection, storytelling, and other areas of journalism and First Amendment law.

The lessons are provided in a 30-minute format to accommodate the demanding schedules faced by many working in New England newsrooms. The program is free and open to the public. Registration for each lesson is required.