From reading through some of the "Practice of Journalism" reflection papers, I can see that some of you were a bit surprised by the content of the journalism course. Those of you are passionate about entertainment reporter or dedicated to a particular political issue sometimes reported frustration, since editors don't always permit you to write about what interests you. Most entertainment reporting is syndicated out of Hollywood, though there is room in local papers for coverage of local bands, community theater, and so forth. Still, even the local entertainment reporters typically have to know the ropes before they get the chance to write on the assignments that really interest them.
The FUND for AMERICAN STUDIESLeading political journalists and campaign experts will share their insights on the 2004 election at this exclusive conference for college journalists sponsored by The Institute on Political Journalism.
Come to the number one news town in the world and gain exposure to the exciting world of political journalism. Network with your peers from across the country, and make valuable connections in world of Washington journalism.
To be held just four days after the New Hampshire primary, this conference will explore the race for the White House and control of Congress, as well as the political issues that will shape the election. Political journalists with years of experience covering Congress, the administration, and the Supreme Court will share insights about how to accurately report on national politics. Participants will also attend private briefings at Washington's places of power, where they will have a chance to meet policymakers behind the news.
Since there are local races being decided on the same day as a national election, local news organizations are often taxed to the breaking point, trying to cover all the venues (including having a reporter at the campaign headquarters of all the major local candidates, at election headquarters, and in the newsroom getting local reaction on breaking state or national issues).
My point in all this is that, if you are interested in journalism as a career, the fact that local papers will need a lot of extra eyes, ears, and bodies during election coverage may mean that an organization that wouldn't ordinarily be interested in a short-term intern might be more welcoming. And if you've attended a conference such as this one, in which the best journalists talk about how to cover national election issues, you might learn quite a lot that you can apply on the local level.
If anyone's interested, I'd be happy to sponsor an indepenent study that included attending this conference (or some other conference) and reporting on it via the NMJ blog.
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