News Leadership Workshop

RTNDF has a terrific training opportunity for newsroom leaders and managers: a focus on new and low-cost digital technologies for news gathering and presentation – along with leadership tips on how to put the tools to best use.  All that – plus an insider’s look at CNN’s approach to citizen journalism, social media and reporting across platforms with tips that apply to local newsrooms.

Participating broadcast news managers will leave with skills and knowledge they can put to work immediately.

Now here’s the part your general manager will really like: Thanks to an underwriting grant from the McCormick Foundation and the generosity of our host site, CNN, the cost of this program is only $40 per person. This includes the cost of one night’s lodging at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center for those away from home, plus a dinner and lunch. Space is limited. Priority will be given to RTNDA members and those on its management team. The deadline for registration is Wednesday September 23, 2009.

The program begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 and continues through 5:30 pm Saturday, Sept. 26.

What - and Who is on the Agenda?

• A review of low-cost and labor-saving digital news gathering tools, along with social media strategies with Chip Mahaney of E.W. Scripps

• A candid look at how news managers help – or get in the way of – important changes in the newsroom, with Jill Geisler of the Poynter Institute

• Insights into backpack/all platform journalism’s potential –  if you do it right, with Victor Hernandez and Stacia Deshisku of CNN

• An examination of the standards and systems needed to integrate user-generated content into your news report, drawing on the lessons of the Iran protest and more, with Parisa Khosravi of CNN Worldwide and Katherine Green of CNN International

Where is it?

All of the workshop sessions are inside CNN’s Atlanta headquarters. Rooms are available at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center.  (Please note: RTNDF will make your hotel reservations for you through the registration process. Please do not contact the hotel directly to reserve your hotel room.)


How do I apply?

Participants must be broadcast news managers who are responsible for hiring, evaluating and motivating staff and developing systems and standards in their newsrooms. Again, priority is given to RTNDA members and managers who report to them. Click here to register.

More about the presenters:

Chip Mahaney, director of digital content, E.W. Scripps Company - TV Station Group - Interactive, Cincinnati.
Chip understands every role - both traditional and new - in a television newsroom. He's an expert on new technology and how stations of all sizes can improve their coverage and productivity with new tools and new ways of thinking.


Jill Geisler, group leader, Leadership and Management Programs, The Poynter Institute, St. Petersburg, FL
Jill is the person who newsroom managers from print, broadcast and online turn to when they want to improve their newsrooms and their own leadership skills. She is an expert on change management whose innovative teaching helps leaders break old habits and create new successes in their organizations.

Victor Hernandez, director of coverage, CNN/U.S. and All Platform Journalists Project Manager, Atlanta
Victor’s work with new media, emerging technologies and convergence is amongst the most innovative and cutting edge at CNN. He’s an organization leader in the areas of new media, social networking and multimedia journalism. His leadership with the CNN All Platform Journalism initiative ensures the global news organization remains at the forefront of exciting, evolving storytelling opportunities.

Stacia Deshishku, director of coverage, CNN/US, Atlanta
Stacia coordinates CNN’s vast newsgathering resources and heads up CNN’s National Assignment Desk. Regardless of the medium, Stacia believes the term "journalist" carries the expectation of professionalism in reporting, with consideration for truth and ethics.

Parisa Khosravi, senior vice president of international newsgathering for CNN Worldwide, Atlanta
Parisa is responsible for CNN’s entire international newsgathering operation. She ensures that international newsgathering is integrated into the day-to-day news operations of CNN Worldwide with editorial, operation and administrative oversight. She also oversees the International Newsource department, which services more than 200 CNN affiliates worldwide.

Katherine Green, senior vice president of programming, CNN International, Atlanta
Katherine oversees all of the editorial production, program and schedule development, network talent and day-to-day operations of CNN’s international production centers in Atlanta, London and Hong Kong. Since joining CNN International she has strategically and significantly changed the network’s programming schedule.