Poynter webinar — April 4, 6, 11 and 13
» Sign up here
Though it received global attention, the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol is just one example of a disinformation-fueled attack on the American democratic process. And it didn’t end the trend toward mainstream extremism.
How do you cover elections for a public that is extremely fractured? This free online group seminar will help local journalists stay safe and produce ethical, excellent stories about voting, security and local issues leading up to the 2022 midterms.
With help from Team PolitiFact, you will learn how to track and debunk election-related disinformation that could fuel violence on the local level. You will gain a deeper understanding of First and Second Amendment protections to strengthen your reporting about activities that are prohibited by law. In discussion with guest speakers and other participants, you will also review best practices for reporting on these issues without legitimizing them or having a chilling effect on democratic participation.
Schedule
This online group seminar will take place each Monday and Wednesday afternoon between April 4 and April 13. Each session will be 90 minutes long and include training and discussion. Though all the sessions will be recorded and available for replay within the course, Poynter hopes most participants can attend live to get their questions answered and contribute to a robust conversation.
Participants in this online group seminar will:
- Understand the laws that govern election security, firearms possession at polling places, election intimidation and threats of violence
- Explain how and where gun rights run up against the law in polling places and other sensitive places like state capitols
- Recognize the cultural phenomenon of threats, violence and armed intimidation in the public sphere
- Identify attempts by extremists to normalize this behavior, including downplay and denial
- Grapple with the ethics issues of how journalists cover violence or threats of violence at public institutions
- Learn best practices for dealing with online harassment and threats
- Develop new story ideas and reporting strategies for reporting on tense situations where violence is possible
- Apply lessons to other areas of coverage, including statehouse, school boards and public health agencies
Who should enroll?
Journalists who cover government, elections, education or who think they may be in potentially dangerous or threatening situations covering public institutions or events. Those who work in or report on battleground states in the 2022 midterms will especially benefit.
Instructors
PolitiFact editor-in-chief Angie Drobnic Holan, PolitiFact executive director Aaron Sharockman and PolitiFact staff writer Amy Sherman will lead this training program.
Cost
This online group seminar is free, thanks to support from the Joyce Foundation.
Need help?
If you still have questions, contact info@poynter.org.
