Knight Center seeks applications for seminar on covering economy

The Knight Center for Specialized Journalism invites applications for a seminar on “The Economy: Bringing the Big Picture Home” to be held April 14 to April 17 at the University of Maryland.

There is no more important topic to readers and viewers this year than the economy and its implications. The recession has hit every aspect of American life, from jobs to schools to housing and even entertainment. It is global and it is very, very local.

In a wide-ranging seminar, the Knight Center will help reporters and editors bring the big numbers down to earth by digging deep into the impact of the recession on families and communities and by examining the means and scope of a recovery. Topics may include an overview of where we are and why; the view from the kitchen table; the struggles of state and local governments; the impact on different regions, industries and sectors; new directions from the Obama administration; questions about re-regulation and other upcoming challenges, and a look at Main Streets across America.

Seminars are free. Fellowships cover all seminar costs including meals and lodging. Applications are invited from print, broadcast and online journalists and bloggers and citizen journalists.

This seminar includes an optional, pre-seminar multimedia workshop on “Visualizing Data.” See http://specializedjournalism.org/index.php?q=seminars/2009/economy for more details including how to apply.

The Knight Center is extending the application deadline to Thursday, March 12.