SEJ

SEJ - The Short List

Journalists Are Enemies of None — And Vital to Democracy

If you are an environmental journalist, does that mean you are an “enemy of the people,” as President Trump has suggested? News media shine light daily on government malfeasance, corruption, inaction, negligence and mendacity while also informing the public about threats to their health, safety and livelihoods. They hold the powerful accountable and empower the people. Today, SEJ joins ~350 journalism groups and news media in urging President Trump to abandon the “enemies of the people” rhetoric which could incite violence and hinder the journalism that protects democracy. We urge the president to change his dangerous course and declare that journalists are not "enemies," but patriots whose work ensures the viability of our democracy.

Agenda for SEJ's 28th Annual Conference

Environmental Journalism 2018, hosted by the University of Michigan-Flint, is around the corner! Our conference provides journalists with the tools they need to hone the craft of writing and reporting in addition to providing insights into critical election-related issues, such as bridging the urban-rural divide. Sessions comprise local, national and global enviro issues. Tours are filling fast — register now to get the tour of your choice. See the draft agenda here or read speaker bios. Get your message to attendees: reserve display space (exhibit, advertise in the program booklet, host a reception or place an item in conference bags) or sponsor.

Winners: SEJ 17th Annual Awards for Reporting on the Environment

And the winners are...

Hurricane Reporting, By the Numbers

Smart coverage of the ongoing hurricane season means reporting not just people stories, but numbers stories too. This week’s TipSheet explains and offers half a dozen metrics, including pressure, width, surge and rainfall, to better track these extreme storms. Plus, should there be a “Category 6?”

SEJ Publication Highlights

Journalism, Science Students Taught To Tune Their B.S. Detectors

08/08/2018 – When it comes to nosing out the real “fake news,” reporters who cover environment, health and science have a long history of unmasking hype, misinformation and propaganda. The latest EJ Academy shares a new initiative to teach budding journalism and science students together, so they can be advocates for science and information literacy.

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SEJ Names Meaghan Parker as New Executive Director

08/06/2018 – The Society of Environmental Journalists has tapped former long-time associate board member Meaghan Parker as its new executive director, following a nearly six-month-long search. Parker, praised by SEJ President Bobby Magill for her experience, vision and commitment to environmental journalism, will take on the post on Sept. 17.

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Taking Office as EPA Acting Administrator, Wheeler Gets Realer

07/25/2018 – The presence of a new acting administrator at EPA in the wake of Scott Pruitt’s resignation may mean a change in tone and a renewed openness for journalists covering the agency. But it doesn’t appear to mean different policy approaches. This week’s TipSheet reports on the early days of former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler’s command, with a roundup of coverage and angles to watch.

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Enjoy our selection of quotes celebrating journalism and free speech. Submit yours! Click here.

"Stories should not only be true, they should ring true."

— Roy Peter Clark

Headlines

New EPA Rollback of Coal Pollution Regulations Takes Major Step Forward

NY Times, 08/21/2018
Australian PM Abandons Climate Targets, Bowing to Party Pressure

NY Times, 08/21/2018
"How Much Damage are Trump’s Solar Tariffs Doing to the U.S. Industry?"

InsideClimate News, 08/21/2018
Pruitt Called White House Once From His $43,000 Phone Booth: Records

Washington Post, 08/21/2018
"Walmart To Shed Solvents Linked To Deaths, Birth Defects"

Bloomberg, 08/21/2018
"Beer, Drinking Water And Fish: Tiny Plastic Is Everywhere"

NPR, 08/21/2018
"Are Coastal Nuclear Power Plants Ready for Sea-Level Rise?"

Ensia, 08/21/2018
"Heatwaves, Rains May Become More Severe As Weather Stalls-Study"

Reuters, 08/21/2018
"A Koch-Fueled Attack on Electric Buses Picks up Speed"

DeSmog, 08/21/2018
W Texas Vineyards Blasted By Herbicide Drift From Nearby Cotton Fields

NPR, 08/21/2018

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SEJ's mission is to strengthen coverage of environment, energy, health and climate news, by supporting the journalists who report that news. The benefits of joining include: access to grants for environmental reporting; mentoring by experienced journalists; and members-only e-mailing lists for sharing professional tips, news, and information. SEJ members meet and learn face-to-face from fellow members, other media professionals and topic experts, at our annual conference and volunteer-organized regional gatherings.