Chapter programming for 2012 taking shape
Immigration, politics and media convergence are possible topics of local SPJ programming in 2012.
The board of the Central Ohio Pro Chapter met on Nov. 14 to begin planning the annual diversity and ethics events that offer local journalists a chance to consider challenging issues related to the profession.
The dates for the programs have not been set, and the board is open to member suggestions on subject matter. Tentatively, the plan is to focus the diversity panel on issues of reporting on immigrant populations. A discussion over tricky terms such as “illegal” or “undocumented immigrant” likely will play a prominent role.
The board is considering topics for an ethics panel and plans to incorporate the 2012 presidential election. Another idea was to take a look at the convergence of media companies in central Ohio.
In other news from the meeting:
- Board member Dan Caterinicchia, Ohio State journalism professor and adviser to The Lantern, reported that the student chapter’s 100th anniversary celebration and networking event, co-sponsored by the pro chapter, exceeded expectations. About 50 people showed up for the campus event and heard Pulitzer Prize winner Jim Schaefer of the Detroit Free Press.
- The chapter will be promoting a high-school essay contest on behalf of national SPJ. More details to come.
- Founder’s Day isn’t until the spring, but we’d be grateful to start collecting silent-auction items now. Anyone with a potential donation is asked to contact Beth Gianforcaro at [email protected].
The board meets next on Dec. 12. Any members with comments or suggestions are asked to let us know. Contact President Julanne Hohbach at [email protected].
– Meredith Heagney, board secretary [email protected]