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2019 Christopher J. Georges Conference on College Journalism

Schedule

Friday, March 29

4:00 – 5:15 p.m.
Open house at The Harvard Crimson
14 Plympton St., Cambridge, Mass. | map
5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Reception at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard
One Francis Ave., Cambridge, Mass. | map
6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Opening remarks and dinner
  • Ann Marie Lipinski, curator, Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard, 1990 Nieman Fellow
7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Keynote address and conversation
A discussion about The Indianapolis Star’s meticulous investigation of sexual abuse within USA Gymnastics and the charges made against longtime team physician Larry Nassar
Introduction by Kristine Guillaume, president, The Harvard Crimson

Saturday, March 30

9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Continental breakfast and networking
9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Welcome and introductions
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
The State of Student Journalism Today
An overview of the issues facing student journalists on campus
  • Taylor Blatchford, news producer at The Seattle Times and founder of The Lead, a resource newsletter for student journalists
Introduction by Angela N. Fu, managing editor, The Harvard Crimson
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Student Lightning Round: Hear from Your Peers
Short presentations from student participants about special projects and newsroom challenges
Moderator: Christine Schmidt, staff writer, Nieman Journalism Lab
12:15 – 1:00 p.m.
Networking lunch
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Press Rights Primer
A primer on the laws protecting student-run media outlets and your rights as a student journalist
Introduction by Kai R. McNamee, multimedia chair, The Harvard Crimson
2:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Plenary Session: A Career in Journalism/Media
Former Georges Conference participants share their experiences breaking into the competitive world of journalism
Moderator: Anica Butler, deputy editor of The Boston Globe’s news department and a 2019 Nieman Fellow
3:30 – 3:40 p.m.
Break (find your breakout session room)
3:40 – 4:45 p.m.
Breakout sessions with 2019 Nieman Fellows (choose one):
An introduction to the basics of podcasting and creative ways to use oral storytelling in student newsrooms
  • Introduction to Podcasting
    An introductory/overview session on the basics of podcasting and creative ways to use it in student newsrooms.

    Francesca Panetta editor of virtual reality at The Guardian
    Benny Becker, public radio reporter for the Ohio Valley Resource and WMMT/Appalshop
  • Finding Stories in Public Records
    A session offering practical tips on requesting and obtaining the best public records for your story on any beat. We’ll also examine how newsrooms can use public records to strengthen and tell blockbuster stories for broadcast, print and the web.  and tell blockbuster stories for broadcast, print and the web.

    Steve Myers, editor of The Lens
    Mary Ellen Klas, capital bureau chief for The Miami Herald in Tallahassee, Florida
  • Finding Your First Gig: How to Approach the Job Search, Craft a Media Resume and Cover Letter and Get Started in Journalism
    Current Nieman Fellows will share their experiences on both sides of the hiring process. They will provide tips on everything from getting noticed and standing out in a competitive pool of applicants to vetting a prospective employer and ensuring each step you take moves your career in the right direction.
    **Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their resume for group discussion and feedback.**

    Nathan Payne, executive editor of Michigan’s Traverse City Record-Eagle 
    Gabriella Schwarz,managing editor and head of news at Flipboard
    Kaeti Hinck, former editor at The Washington Post in charge of a team of visual journalists and developers
4:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Final thoughts/comments and survey