Campaign Headquarters > Convention Schedule > Friday, August 22, 2008

Friday, August 22, 2008

9:00AM-9:30AM
BREAKFAST  

Voices & Choices: Meet NLGJA's Candidates
It's hard to imagine a more fitting start to the 2008 National Convention than a chance to meet the candidates running for NLGJA's National Board. They'll show off their campaigning skills and maybe kiss a baby or two.  

9:30AM-10:45AM
MORNING PLENARY  

The New Newsroom
A panel of top news industry experts will tackle the challenges of new technology, shifting audiences and falling profits. What's working and where? If you're looking for a reason to stop dreading the future, you'll find it here.  

• Moderator: Geoff Dankert, Assistant News Director, WFLD-TV
• Tom Rosenstiel, Director, Project for Excellence in Journalism
• Deborah Potter, Executive Director, NewsLab
• Richard Prince, Columnist, Richard Prince 's Journal-isms
• Randy Lovely, Editor & Vice President/News, Arizona Republic

11:00AM-12:15PM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Hot Topics
Pray Away The Gay?
Journalists who work for LGBT press have a special role: They provide coverage that's often missing in the mainsream media. But what happens when they switch sides? Since 2006, two LGBT media journalists have "come out" as ex-gay and now say homosexuality is immoral. Are they the new face of the so-called "ex-gay movement?”

• Moderator: Eric Hegedus, Page Designer, New York Post
• Wayne Besen, Founder, Truth Wins Out
• Jack Drescher, Psychiatrist/Psychoanalyst
• David Foucher, CEO/Publisher, EDGE

Survival Skills
Life After Layoff: Your Job Is History But You're Not
Layoffs, buyouts, downsizing: Losing your job is a real threat in our industry today. But a pink slip doesn't have to derail your career. This session will look at ways to protect yourself in the event of a job loss, as well as explore how a layoff can actually turn around your professional prospects.

• Moderator: Tom Musbach, Managing Editor, Yahoo! HotJobs
• Robin Phillips, Night Home Page Editor, azcentral.com
• Randol White, Founder/Managing Partner, journalismjunction.com
• Mara Lee, Freelance Writer
• Linda Foley, Former President, Newspaper Guild

Critic's Choice: Promoting Diversity Through Arts Journalism
Cultural reporting has always offered journalists a path to covering communities of color. But is the media doing enough to open its doors? How can journalists do a better job of covering minority artists? And how can those artists themselves get better coverage?

• Moderator: Lily Tung Crystal, Freelance Writer, Board Member, National Arts Journalism Program
• Randy Shulman, Editor In Chief & Publisher, Metro Weekly
• Margo Jefferson, Pulitzer-Prize Winning Critic
• Trey Graham, Associate Producer, Digital Media, NPR

New Media
Gay Gear: The New Media Gadgets You Need To Know About
Pencils and pads are no longer the only tools that a print journalist needs. Learn about the gadgets that will help you take photos and video, record audio, and edit it all into a multimedia package.

• Moderator: Doug Stewart, Internet Operations Manager, WTIC-TV

Broadcast
Hearing Is Believing: Writing For The Ear
So you broke the story of that Senator who is now under investigation for the scandal-du-jour. Can you give viewers and listeners the details in thirty seconds or less? Writers and editors in radio and TV face this kind of challenge every day. Learn how to tell the news quickly and comprehensively while taking advantage of the spoken word.  

• Moderator: Neda Ulaby, Reporter, National Public Radio
• Ari Shapiro, Correspondent, Justice Department, NPR
• Barrie Hardymon, Assistant Editor, Talk of the Nation, NPR
• Laura Sullivan, Correspondent, NPR

New Expo Hall Classroom
Broadcast Critique Sessions
Looking for feedback? Wondering if your tape has what it takes to attract the attention of a news director in a major market? Drop by our new Expo Hall Classroom to get feedback, ideas and direction from some of the best in the business. Stay tuned to nlgja.org/convention/2008 for further details.

• Coordinators: Juan Fernandez, Weekend Anchor, CBS-2/KCAL-9, & Kris Van Cleave, General Assignment Reporter, WJLA-TV/NewsChannel 8

Strange Bedfellows: Sex, Scandal & Politics
As Eliot Spitzer, Jim McGreevey, Larry Craig and other politicians go wild, reporters are finding themselves in the uncomfortable position of writing about the sordid details of the personal lives of public figures. What info rmation is appropriate and what is too much? We'll talk to reporters about their experiences and experts on the ethics of this tricky subject.  

• Moderator: Alex Davidson, Reporter, Forbes
• Larry McQuillan, Freelance Writer
• Lane Hudson, Writer, Columnist & Blogger
• Claire Regan, Associate Managing Editor, Staten Island Advance
• Jamie Fox, Former Chief of Staff, Former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey
• Alfred Doblin, Editorial Page Editor, The Record

 12:30PM-2:00PM
LUNCH PLENARY

A Woman's Place
Assertive/Pushy. Strong/Strident. More often than not, gender still dictates the adjective. Notwithstanding Hillary Clinton's historic run, women remain a minority in public life. Do journalists approach subjects differently based on their sex, and do they bear any blame for holding down the glass ceiling? How do top women in office see it, and what changes do they recommend?

• Moderator: Julie Bolcer, News Editor, Go! Magazine
• Eleanor Holmes Norton, U.S. Congresswoman, Washington, D.C.
• Carol Schwartz, At-Large Councilmember, Washington, D.C.
• E. Denise Simmons, Mayor, Cambridge , MA
• Heather Mizeur, State Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates

2:15PM-3:30PM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Hot Topics
Taking It To The Streets: Citizen Journalism & Community News
What is a citizen journalist anyway? Are their offices really in the corner coffee shop? Check out the innovative ideas, concepts and strategies that are turning ordinary people into extraordinary journalists.

• Moderator: Travis Parman , LGBT Relations Manager, GM
• Mark McDonald, Program Director, WAMU 88.5
• Elise Bernard, Blogger, Frozen Tropics
• Denise Clay, Blogger, The Mad (Political) Scientist & Senior Staff Writer, Temple University, News & Media Relations
• Beth Lawton, Manager, Digital Media, Newspaper Association of America

Survival Skills
Life After Journalism: From Newsroom To Boardroom
Wondering where your career is headed in these uncertain times? Amid a wave of buyouts and layoffs, many journalists are looking to carry on as professional writers and editors in the corporate world. Learn what it takes to “make the jump” from the newsroom to the conference room and get a handle on the hurdles you'll have to cross.

• Moderator: Bob Witeck, CEO & Co-Founder, Witeck Combs Communications
• Kim Mills, Associate Executive Director of Publications and Member Communications, American Psychological Association
• Dan Hendrick, Communications Director, New York League of Conservation Voters
• John Caldwell, Writer & Editor, Intuit

New Media
Going Wider On The Web: Part 1
Beyond Blogging: Mobile Media Workshop
Today's freelancer has to be a one-person band: Writer, editor and publisher all-in-one. This hands-on workshop will help you get up to speed on the latest online tools – from video podcasting to mobile updates – as we create a mini-Web site for the NLGJA conference.

• Moderator: Japhy Grant, Editor, The Modern Romantic
• Shana Krochmal, Online Editor, Popnography

Broadcast
Sound Judgment: Mastering The Art Of The Broadcast Interview
When a big-time TV anchor sits across from Whitney, Britney or Hillary, viewers never see what goes on before the tape rolls. Now you'll get an inside look. Listen in as some of the broadcast world's top hosts share their experiences and insights on the art of the interview.

• Moderator: Susan Stamberg, Special Correspondent, Morning Edition, NPR
• Diana Cage, Host, The Diana Cage Show, Sirius OutQ
• Michelangelo Signorile, Journalist, Author & Talk Show Host, Sirius OutQ

New Expo Hall Classroom
Altared States Or Get Me To The Church On Time
Same-sex marriage is legal in California : Now what? How do states that sanction same-sex unions differ? Where should you make your partnership official? Should you even bother? How did we get here, and where are we going? A primer for those covering the issue and those wrestling with the choice.

• Moderator: Jeff Truesdell, Staff Writer, People Magazine
• Robin Rauzi, Articles Editor, Los Angeles Times Opinion Pages
• Jenny Pizer, Senior Counsel, Lambda Legal
• George Gates, Married in Massachusetts
• David Steinberg, News CopyDesk, San Francisco Chronicle

Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Writing On Research
Increasingly, reporting scientific research can be like walking through a minefield. Advocacy groups are interpreting research findings for their own political ends and some are even creating research to support their positions. This session will provide advice on how to win the science spin game.

• Moderator: Rick Moore, Director of Communications, Rockway Institute
• Cindi Creager, Director of National News, GLAAD
• Jim Burroway, Editor, Box Turtle Bulletin
• Neil Savage, Freelance Science & Technology Writer

Tales From The Trail: The Inside Story Of The Presidential Campaign
What are the presidential candidates like in person? How do they treat the press? Get the skinny from campaign reporters who have spent the campaign season riding shotgun with the Democrats and Republicans.

• Moderator: Javier Morgado, Supervising Producer, "The TODAY Show"
• Matthew Berger, Reporter, NBC/National Journal
• Kerry Eleveld, News Editor, The Advocate
• Sandra Westfall, D.C. Correspondent, People Magazine

3:45PM-5:00PM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Hot Topics
Money Matters: How The Economy Is Impacting The Election
Stimulus packages. Interest rate reductions. Massive foreclosures. As the nation continues to experience a downturn, how is the economy impacting the election? Learn how the economy is joining the war in the front seat to drive the election.

• Moderator: Marilyn Geewax, National Economics Correspondent, Cox Newspapers' Washington Bureau
• Juliana Measce Horowitz, Research Associate, Pew Research Center for the People & the Press
• Missy Frederick, Staff Reporter, Washington Business Journal
• M.V. Lee Badgett, Research Director, Williams Institute
• Richard Leong, Correspondent, Reuters

Survival Skills
Life After Journalism: Making A Difference In Non-Profits
Most journalists will tell you that they got into the business to make a difference. What happens when you decide to leave the newsroom and dedicate yourself to the mission of a non-profit organization? Are there jobs? Will you make enough money? And, most importantly, will you change the world?

• Moderator: Ian McCann, Staff Writer, The Dallas Morning News
• Libby Post, President, Communication Services & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit Co-Chair
• Carol Gregory, Director of Communications, YMCA Metropolitan Washington
• Dante Chinni, Project Director, Patchwork Nation
• Gary Kebbel, Journalism Program Officer, John S. & James L. Knight Foundation

New Media
Going Wider On The Web: Part 2
Ready, Aim, Shoot: The Ins & Outs Of Web Video
Shooting Web video is an important skill set for any reporter. This workshop will teach you the basic fundamentals of video storytelling (like lighting, audio and framing) and show you how to avoid letting video get in the way of your written story. You'll walk away with new skills and a better sense of how to blend words and images.

• Moderator: Matthew Sokoloff, Interactive Product Manager, Orlando Sentinel Interactive
• Matthew Berger, Reporter, NBC/National Journal

Broadcast
Sneak Preview
CNN Documentary: "His Name Is Susan" (Working Title)
Steve Stanton's life seemed picture perfect. He was a successful city manager in Florida with a lovely wife and son. But hidden inside was a lifelong struggle with his gender identity. Then his local newspaper revealed his secret and he was fired in a series of tense public hearings. Thus began his lonely journey for authenticity, in which he faced losing his marriage, friends, family and community. In a sneak peek of a unique documentary, Susan tells her story in her own voice.

• Moderator: Rose Arce, Senior Producer, CNN
• Bud Bultman, Managing Editor, CNN Productions
• Susan Stanton

New Expo Hall Classroom
Sunshine Week Session: FOIA Is Not Just A Four-Letter Word
In the battle for the truth, the Freedom of Information Act can be one of your greatest weapons. Editors will tell you how to fight secrecy and push for openness whether you're making your case in court or convincing your publisher to hire a lawyer. You'll see great examples of stories around the country that were developed using official documents, and learn how you can get involved in a new open-government online project spearheaded by ASNE and ONA.

• Moderator: Debra Gersh Hernandez, Coordinator, Sunshine Week, ASNE
• Andy Alexander, Washington Bureau Chief, Cox Newspapers
• Barbara Cochran, President, RTNDA & RTNDF
• Pete Weitzel, Former, Coalition of Journalists for Open Government

No Kid Gloves: Covering Children, Education & Young People's Lives
Schools aren't just for the education reporter. Whether you're covering crime, government or LGBT issues, you may need to explore what goes on behind schoolhouse doors. Get the latest on responsibly, thoughtfully and legally accessing schools and minors for stories, including stories about LGBT issues.

• Moderator: Alan Richard, Director of Communications, Southern Regional Education Board
• Michelle Nealy, Staff Writer, Diverse Issues in Higher Education
• Benoit Denizet-Lewis, Contributing Writer, New York Times Magazine, & Author
• Scott Jaschik, Editor, Inside Higher Education
• Frank LoMonte, Executive Director, Student Law Press Center

The Beat We'd Love To Lose: Reporting On HIV/AIDS In 2008
HIV/AIDS still kills, but you'd barely know it from media coverage. Get a handle on the latest developments in treatment and prevention. And let the experts teach you how to make AIDS relevant to your readers, listeners and viewers.

• Moderator: Oriol Gutierrez, Deputy Editor, POZ Magazine
• Dr. W. David Hardy, Director, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, AIDS & IDC, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
• Frank Oldham, Jr., Executive Director, National Association of People with AIDS
• Tyrone Hanley, HIV Prevention Coordinator, SMYAL

5:15PM-6:30PM
DIVERSITY RECEPTION

It's time for NLGJA's annual salute to diversity and inclusion with local and national industry leaders. Special guests will include leaders from the Asian American Journalists Association, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, the South Asian Journalists Association, the Native American Journalists Association, UNITY: Journalists of Color and the Maynard Institute. NLGJA celebrates the goals of fairness, accuracy and inclusion that unite us all.

6:30PM-8:30PM
WOMEN'S COCKTAIL RECEPTION
& NETWORKING DINNER

All NLGJA members are invited to join us for an evening of fine food and conversation. We'll applaud the hard work of the women of NLGJA and spotlight their invaluable contributions to the organization. $35 pre-registration is required.

9:00PM-MIDNIGHT
NIGHT(S) OUT D.C.

Because everyone has a different idea of a great night out, NLGJA has expanded our Friday night party to include two great D.C. destinations. Whether you prefer quiet drinks and a little jazz or the beat of a big dance club, we have you covered.

Jazz Night Out D.C.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
1330 Maryland Avenue, SW
Looking for a place to relax with friends and enjoy some of the best jazz music D.C. has to offer? Make a reservation to join NLGJA for Jazz Night in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s luxurious Empress Lounge.

Space is limited and reservations are required. Contact NLGJA’s Deputy Executive Director Tom Avila to make your reservation. Reservations can only be made for registered convention attendees.

NLGJA Heads Out On the Town
Town Danceboutique
2009 8th Street, NW
Looking to make a little noise in our nation’s capital? Hit the dance floor at Town, one of the hottest new additions to Washington’s nightlife. Bring your convention badge to avoid the cover charge. Drink specials will be available.