Journalism Foundation Grant To Fund API Ethics Seminar

RESTON, VA--The American Press Institute has received a $75,000 grant from the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation to provide a two-day ethics seminar, Our Readers Are Watching, to newsrooms across the country at a reduced cost.

Our Readers are Watching will include sessions on whether, when and how newsroom staffs should use confidential sources, and what editors can do to protect a newspaper's integrity from dishonest sources and dishonest or careless reporters.

Newspapers are encouraged to request customized content to reflect the values and concerns of their specific newsroom. Possible additional topics include, but are not limited to, accuracy, attribution, cheating, datelines, diversity, fabrication, ideology, online edition standards, plagiarism, tape recording, undercover reporting, verification and victims.

"We've seen too many instances in recent years where the actions of fraudulent or careless journalists have harmed the reputations of distinguished newspapers and the many honest journalists who work there," said Steve Buttry, API's director of Tailored Programs, who will lead the seminars. "Our Readers Are Watching will help clarify and teach a newsroom's ethical standards to the staff. We will help honest journalists consider difficult situations and improve their ethical decision-making skills. And we will help raise the level of vigilance to protect against any fraudulent journalists still working in newsrooms."

The grant from the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, pays most of the cost of the seminar for U.S. newsrooms. Host newspapers will pay a sliding fee based on circulation: $1,000 for newspapers smaller than 50,000 daily circulation, $1,500 for newspapers from 50,001 to 100,000 and $2,000 for newspapers over 100,000 circulation. Host newspapers also pay for the lodging and meals of discussion leaders and for photocopies of handouts for the seminars. The grant will cover airfare and ground transportation.

For more information contact Steve Buttry at sbuttry@americanpressinstitute.org
or call (703) 715-3300.

About the American Press Institute

The American Press Institute is an independent educational center for providing skills-training and leadership development in the news industry, offering myriad seminars, online training and on-site programs for newspaper professionals. API houses the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism, which offers a nationwide forum and educational opportunities for improving the quality of American business journalism. API is also the home of the Media Center, which conducts research, educational programs and symposia and facilitates strategic conversations and planning on issues shaping the future of news, information and media. Visit API online at http://www.americanpressinstitute.org, or call (703) 620-3611.

About the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation

The Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation was established in 1982 for charitable, scientific and educational purposes, including the improvement of the quality of the practice of journalism among various media. This support includes funding for creative projects and research that promotes excellence in journalism and instills and encourages high ethical standards in journalism. Visit http://www.journalismfoundation.org

Media Contact:
Lisa Rabasca
American Press Institute
11690 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1498
(703) 715-3322 or (703) 620-5814
lrabasca@americanpressinstitute.org