Members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association are offered a member benefit program, “Earn Your Press Pass.”
The program aims to help editors and publishers navigate the ongoing community newspaper labor shortage by providing turnkey training options for amateur and early-career journalists.
Developed by Kansas Publishing Ventures, the goal of “Earn Your Press Pass” is to provide individuals who have solid reading and writing skills and live in smaller communities with a basic journalism background. Training topics include newspaper basics, industry jargon, interviewing and reporting skills, sourcing considerations, news judgment, headline and cutline writing, AP Style, copy editing and basic photography.
‘A comprehensive introduction’ to journalism
During the November 2022 WNA and WNAF boards of directors meeting, the advisory committee presented its report after conducting an in-depth analysis and review of the 31 online training modules.
The committee’s report stated the program “is a good product and one that will be useful for beginning journalists with no experience.”
“EYPP is a sound project that provides a comprehensive introduction to news values, types of news stories, newsgathering techniques, writing and editing fundamentals, and legal and ethical basics.”
The courses are led by Lindsey Young, co-owner of KPV with partner Joey Young. Her experience as a former high school journalism and public speaking teacher and community newspaper owner make her uniquely qualified for the role.
“I wanted to create something that feels more like a conversation with a well-informed friend than a traditional class,” Young said in a news release about the program’s launch. “There aren’t any homework assignments or quizzes. Instead, the ‘test’ for Earn Your Press Pass users will be becoming a part of their community newspaper and writing about local issues.”
As someone with both a teaching background and practical real-world application, Young can outline the basics to new and potential hires, so an overworked newsroom doesn’t have to take the time to do it.
“My hope is that people who go through the course will come out the other side with all the fundamentals and a list of questions for their editor or publisher so they can have meaningful, well-informed discussions about expectations and the nuances of their own community,” Young said in the release.
How to get started
There is no cost to access “Earn Your Press Pass.” WNA members interested in participating should request access by emailing WNA Executive Director Beth Bennett the name and email address of the employee you wish to sign up.
