Covering the green economy seminar

The Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism is offering 20 fellowships for an all-expenses-paid seminar on covering the green economy from June 28 to June 30 in Phoenix.

This three-day specialized reporting institute, combined with two follow-up Webinars, will arm attendees with information to help them recognize “greenwashing,” track federal stimulus dollars designed to create green jobs and answer consumers’ most frequently asked questions about leading environmentally sustainable lives.

Through the support of the McCormick Foundation, fellowships cover the full cost of training, lodging, materials and most meals. In addition, fellows receive a $450 stipend to help offset travel and other costs. The full schedule for the seminar, including speakers, will be available soon.

“The volume of press releases and other pitches that business journalists get from companies saying they are doing something to be green has exploded in recent years,” said Linda Austin, executive director of the Reynolds Center, in a statement. “Those attending this seminar will be better prepared to question those claims and assess the responses.”

The seminar will be held at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in downtown Phoenix. ASU is also home to the nation’s first School of Sustainability.

“Phoenix and Arizona State University are recognized leaders in research and development of the emerging green economy,” said Clark Bell, the McCormick Foundation’s journalism program director, in a statement. “The Cronkite School is an ideal venue for a comprehensive reporting workshop on vital sustainability issues.”

The selection process is highly competitive, and applicants will need to provide the following at BusinessJournalism.org:

• A 500-word statement describing how attending the conference will improve their coverage and what their plan is to share what they learn with their colleagues;
• A statement of support from their supervisor; (Waived for freelancers)
• A resume;
• A headshot photo;
• A 100-word bio.

Deadline for applications is April 26.

For questions, e-mail Kelly Carr, senior online producer at the Reynolds Center, at kelly.carr@businessjournalism.org or call 602-496-5439.?