ST PETERSBURG, FLA. – News University (www.newsu.org), an innovative e-learning center that helps journalists through self-directed training, today released “Freedom of Information (FOI).” The course, a partnership between the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and NewsU, explains how Freedom of Information laws work and how journalists can use FOI laws to write better stories.
“We are delighted that the Society of Professional Journalists worked with NewsU to develop and release this important course. SPJ is a leader in teaching journalists about FOI issues, and we hope this course furthers that training,” said Howard Finberg, director, interactive learning, The Poynter Institute/NewsU.
Because access to public information is essential to better journalism, the new e-learning course is critical for all journalists. The course helps participants understand and apply freedom of information laws, provides additional FOI resources and describes how to submit an FOI request.
“Despite assaults over the years, Freedom of Information statutes remain powerful tools for journalists…if they know how to use them,” said Irwin Gratz, president of the Society of Professional Journalists. “Digging up facts and making sure they’re right are the bedrocks of good journalism. So we’re happy to join NewsU in providing this course on using Freedom of Information statutes.”
For a first-hand look at “Freedom of Information” and other online training courses for journalists, please visit www.newsu.org.
About the Society of Professional Journalists
The Society of Professional Journalists (www.spj.org) works to improve and protect journalism. The organization is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.
About News University
News University (www.newsu.org) offers newsroom training to journalists and journalism students through its interactive e-learning program and links to other journalism education and training opportunities. The program is a project of The Poynter Institute funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
About The Poynter Institute
The Poynter Institute (www.poynter.org) is a school for journalists, future journalists and teachers of journalism. Poynter conducts about 50 seminars annually in the areas of leadership and management, reporting and writing, broadcast, ethics and diversity, and visual journalism. The school owns the Times Publishing Co., the parent company of the St. Petersburg Times, Congressional Quarterly and other publications.
About the Knight Foundation
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation promotes excellence in journalism worldwide and invests in the vitality of 26 U.S. communities. One of its signature programs is Journalism Initiatives. Since 1950, when Knight Foundation was created, the foundation has approved more than $250 million in journalism grants.