Journalism & Media

Coronavirus Silence, Secrecy Harms Public Health

Mishandling of vital information by the U.S. government worsened the COVID-19 pandemic, argues the latest WatchDog. The no-holds-barred opinion piece, which notes that coronavirus is as much an environmental story as a public health one, points the finger at the White House and the “Silent CDC,” sifts the wreckage of the testing program and speculates about the dearth of data as the nation reopens.

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WatchDog

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Disasters

Environmental Politics

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Coronavirus Should Sharpen Focus on Another Deadly Respiratory Illness — Legionnaires’ Disease

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, there’s another respiratory disease to worry about. Legionnaires’, which attacks the lungs, is already the deadliest waterborne illness in the United States. And the dangerous bacteria may now be breeding in the plumbing systems of buildings shut down during the outbreak. Contributor Brett Walton asks: Is the nation prepared for a safe reopening?

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Pandemic Pushes Bikes Into New Popularity. Will It Last?

Commuters seeking social distancing want them. City dwellers drawn to nearly car-free streets want them too. But the boom in bikes long pre-dates the COVID-19 outbreak, and their eco-friendly reputation offers environment reporters numerous smart local story angles, per the latest TipSheet. Get context, plus numerous story ideas and resources.

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June 15, 2020 to July 6, 2020

Freelance Journalism Summer Camp (Virtual)

This intensive online course, run by full-time freelance journalist Abigail Edge, is an inspired DIY retreat for any freelance journalist feeling the urge to take stock and refresh their career goals. Over the course of four weeks we'll cover everything from pitching and ideas to branding and business skills, with Q&A sessions.

Workshops and Fellowships

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Public

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Journalism & Media

"Coronavirus: Hard-Hit Brazil Removes Data Amid Rising Death Toll"

"Brazil has removed months of data on Covid-19 from a government website amid criticism of President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the outbreak."

Source: BBC News, 06/08/2020

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June 5, 2020

Stories from the Frontlines: Journalists and Protests with CNN's Brian Stelter

Join CNN Reliable Sources host Brian Stelter as he talks with journalists covering the protests over the death of George Floyd. Why have journalists faced such unprecedented harassment, intimidation and detainment during this fast-moving story? How can they protect themselves and get the access they need to keep their communities informed going forward? An SPJ Live Online Session, 12:00 p.m. ET.

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Topics on the Beat:

Environmental Justice

Government

Journalism & Media

People & Population

June 5, 2020

Covering Protests: Journalists Under Attack

Join the International Center for Journalists, 10:00 a.m. ET, for a special event on the alarming trend of police targetting journalists covering protests, featuring Linda Tirado, a freelance photojournalist who was blinded in one eye while covering the Minneapolis protests; Branden Hunter, Detroit Free Press; Maria Salazar-Ferro, CPJ; and Ahmer Khan, winner of the 2020 Human Rights Press Award for his coverage of unrest in Kashmir.

Other Events

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Public

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Activism

Environmental Justice

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June 29, 2020

DEADLINE: NPF's Tracking Coronavirus Relief Funds: How to Follow the Taxpayers' Money

National Press Foundation will offer a free online training program for 25 journalists to help them track how federal pandemic assistance funds are being used. The training will be held for two hours per day from July 13-17 (10 hours total). Fellows will be offered subsequent confidential follow-up sessions with experts and data analysts to help them bring their stories to successful publication.

Workshops and Fellowships

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SEJ Executive Director's Report

May 25, 2023

Letter to SEJ Members and Friends

SEJ Executive Director Meaghan Parker announces she'll be stepping down and shares why she chose this moment as the right time for a successful transition to SEJ’s new leader.

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Journalism & Media

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Public

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Letter From DC: Journalists Standing Together

Society of Environmental Journalists' Executive Director Meaghan Parker offers reassurance to members on SEJ's stability in a time of turmoil, while stressing the importance of ongoing initiatives to support a free press, as well as journalists and communities of color. See also: