The Reynolds Center has announced its 2008 fall workshop schedule.
Select a workshop and register from the drop-down menu below.
The Reynolds Center has opened registration for select 2008 free online seminars.
Topics include:
*Intermediate Business Journalism
*Covering Private Companies
*Business Journalism Boot Camp
Corporate scandal trials have led many business reporters to abandon their local newsrooms for courtrooms thousands of miles away.
Highly publicized trials featuring powerful executives at the defense table have become more common in recent years. But having to deal with long hours of legal testimony is not the normal drill for a business reporter.
A prime example is the recent trial involving former WorldCom CEO Bernie Ebbers. Prior to its takeover by MCI, WorldCom housed its headquarters in Mississippi. The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson followed the Ebbers trial to New York City.
"It's difficult to pare down seven hours of testimony to a 30-inch story," says Scott Waller, business editor of The Clarion-Ledger. "I never realized how hard it would be. You have got to use your best judgment and figure out what is most important to the story."
Team up with the court reporter at your publication to get a better grip on the most relevant proceedings. If you are unable to share a byline, at least run your notes by the court desk to make sure you are headed in the right direction.
Legal experts and accounting professionals are useful in cases involving allegations of fraud.
"It's extremely interesting to get outside perspective about the ins and outs of the legal field," Waller says. "In a trial as technical as this, there have also been so many accounting procedures. From a reader standpoint and to cover all your bases, these experts can help you understand the issues correctly."
When listening to the testimony of witness after witness, pay particular attention to the jury's reaction. Keep an eye on what seems to pique their interest. Cover the conversations between the attorneys and witnesses during those times. They may be of most interest to readers too.
Also, listen for corroboration or contradiction in testimony surrounding critical questions. Such moments offer solid coverage areas.
Story angles after the trial closes include the fate of former employees, the direction of the key players and what, if any, Congressional reform has been introduced to correct prior improprieties.
A key question to ask in WorldCom's case, according to Waller: Does Congress' decision to push legislation help not only the investing public, but the corporation as well?
Unfortunately, the courtroom may become a familiar second home for business reporters. The next WorldCom, Global Crossing or Enron might be just around the corner.
"I think, sadly, we could see more corporate scandals," says Clytie Bunyan, business editor at The Oklahoman. "It seems that the practice of padding the numbers hasn't fully been abandoned. I'm curious to see just how much of a deterrent Sarbanes-Oxley will be."
Copyright © 2008 Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism
