Free Training for Business and Financial Reporters

Unlocking Financial Statements -- May 14-18, 2012
There’s still time to join award-winning University of Kansas Professor Jimmy Gentry for the free, 5-day webinar next week. Learn how to analyze and find stories in financial statements.
Register here for this webinar, held one hour a day. Registration closes 8 p.m. ET on May 11.
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Economics 101 -- June 26-28, 2012
Next month, NPR’s Marilyn Geewax is teaching a free webinar for one hour each day June 26-28. Sign up here.
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Finding Local Jobs Stories in BLS Data -- July 10, 2012

Four years into producing stories on unemployment woes, you may be looking for new angles. The good news is that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has a treasure trove of data that offer fresh insights on your local jobs market.
In this hourlong, live session you’ll learn where to find the local statistics to substantiate the trend stories you are seeing  — and find new ones. Sign up here.
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Telling Great Stories in Business Reporting -- August 13, 2012

Ask too many business reporters about storytelling, and they’ll say, “Oh, yeah – I have an anecdotal lede.” In fact, great stories are built from the ground up, beginning with reporting techniques that empower you when it’s time to write and moving on to eye-opening tools borrowed from the worlds of screenwriting and suspense fiction.
Learn how to:
Gather the telling details while chasing the story.
Deepen your story with universal characters from folklore and myths.
Use techniques from screenwriting and potboilers to strengthen your writing.
More...

Find more free training or sign up for weekly updates at www.BusinessJournalism.org!

CAABJ's Tenikka Smith Promoted to WAXN TV 64 Weekday Morning Anchor

WSOC-TV Channel 9 anchor/reporter Tenikka Smith has been moved from weekend  anchor to WAXN TV64 weekday morning anchor.  Effective immediately, Smith will handle anchor duties for WAXN TV 64 Eyewitness News Daybreak, weekday mornings from 7am-9am.

“Tenikka is an outstanding reporter and anchor. She will be an asset to our current morning team and will continue to provide WSOC and WAXN with strong enterprise reporting,” says WSOC-TV News Director Julie Szulczewski.
A North Carolina native, Smith joined the Eyewitness News team in August of 2009.  Prior to coming to Charlotte, she reported for WPTY-WLMT in Memphis, Tennessee.   While in Tennessee she received the Making Kids Count Broadcast Media Award from the Tennessee Commission on Children & Youth, for a child care report card segment.   Her research has been printed in the Journal of Health Communication.
Smith earned a degree in Mass Communication from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina and a Masters Degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland at College Park.  
When she’s not working, Smith enjoys reading, spending time with friends and loved ones and spoiling her dog, Sebastian.   She’s also a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.
Congratulations, Tenikka!!

CAABJ Initiative Connects High School Students with Prominent Journalists

Me In The Media Initiative

The Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ) is pleased to announce the “Me in Media” Initiative. The mission of this initiative is to encourage African-American middle and high school students to consider careers in journalism and mass communications. Our goal is to foster growth in those who aspire to be journalists by introducing them to high-profile African Americans working in media-related professions.

We are excited to launch this program during the historic Democratic National Convention, where select students will share the spotlight with nationally acclaimed journalists.

This initiative will also challenge students to explore and express their views about the media’s portrayal of the African-American community and experience.

Four winners will be chosen from the Me In the Media initiative, to meet and partner with members of the national media during this year’s Democratic National Convention. We thank you in advance for your support.

Requirements
• Applicants must be of African descent living in the Charlotte region.
• Applicants must be in the 6th-12th grades as of May 31, 2012.
• Applicants must have permission to enter from a parent or legal guardian.
• Applicants must submit an original essay OR video on the following topic: Choose a specific issue in your community (bullying, education, recycling, health issues, etc) that needs more media coverage. Write an essay or create a video addressing that issue.
          o Essays must be 250-350 words and in Mac or Word format.
          o Videos must 2-3 minutes long and on a CD or DVD in .mov or .avi format. Alternatively, a link to the uploaded video may be included on the application.
• Completed applications with video or essay must be received by midnight June 9, 2012.

Email entries to info@caabj.com with Subject: Me In the Media Application, or mail to:

Me In The Media Initiative
Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists
PO Box 31024
Charlotte, NC 28231

CAABJ is a chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. We are a nonprofit organization composed of writers, artists, managers, and talent from all of the major television stations, newspapers, and some of the most notable radio stations, magazines, web publications, and public relations firms in the greater Charlotte area. Our mission is to increase diversity in media organizations and the diversity of coverage as it relates to the African-American community.

Application Form

Me in the Media Application

Win a Chance to Attend NABJ Nationals Free!!

CAABJ will cover registration for one lucky member to attend the 2012 NABJ national convention in New Orleans!
This is a $380 value that is really priceless for all the network- and relationship-building that will take place when journalists, celebrities, executives and professionals converge June 20-24th.
All you have to do is be a current member of CAABJ and NABJ and leave a comment on why you should be chosen on our Facebook page. Please limit comments to 70 words max.
The winner will be announced at our monthly meeting this Saturday April 28th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kickstand Grille, 1101 Central Avenue, Charlotte, 28204.
Membership has its privileges!

**********DEADLINE EXTENSION******DEADLINE EXTENSION**********
There's still time to put your hat in the ring for a chance at the convention!!! Due to enthusiastic response, we've extended the deadline to Friday, May 4th. Don't delay!

CAABJ Discusses Trayvon, Media & Race

Media watchers are not going to want to miss this month's membership meeting!
We'll be discussing Trayvon Martin, media coverage and race. Special guest James Jackson of Fox 35 WOFL News in Florida will be skyping in to talk about the handling of sensitive national stories like the Trayvon Martin case. Topics will include:

• Convincing decision-makers that a story warrants more or continued coverage
• Objectivity and journalists of color
• The role of digital media in breaking this story
• And more! Email questions you'd like to pose to info@caabj.com.

WHEN: April 28th, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Kickstand Grille, 1101 Central Avenue Charlotte, NC 28204
HOSTED BY: Charlotte Association of Black Journalists