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EnvironmentalJournalismBoot Camp |
The 2008 Environmental Journalism Boot Campers enjoy a day out on the New River during their basic training.
In the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains and mountaintop removal coal mining, 22 journalists gathered to acquire a better understanding of the world's most important beat.
Reporters new to covering the environment and veterans looking to sharpen skills got basic training in a one-two punch: MSU's EJ Boot Camp from Oct. 12 to Oct. 15 followed by the Society of Environmental Journalists national conference from Oct. 15 to Oct. 19 in Roanoke, Va.
Journalists received training on analyzing data, interviewing scientists, understanding environmental policy and writing about complex environmental issues.
"Bootcamp allowed me to revisit some skills and knowledge that I've already accumulated or forgotten, as well as be introduced to some new ones," said Sharon Stringer, communication professor at Lock Haven University.
The setting for the boot camp provided reporters with firsthand knowledge of both the scenic beauty and destruction taking place in Appalachia. Participants learned the natural history of the Selu and New River during a canoe trip. They also were educated on the emerging energy future of coal, oil and energy options in a time of extraordinary change.
Knight Center instructors, scientists, journalists and others discussed the relationship between scientists and reporters, social media, writing, covering chemical controversies, the Freedom of Information Act, computer-assisted reporting and other reporting techniques. The boot camp was followed by the SEJ national conference - the annual greatest concentration of reporters covering the toughest beat.
