Training Workshops

NOTICE: We are currently accepting applications for the 2008-2009 technology and multimedia training workshops.

The Knight Digital Media Center delivers hands-on, newsroom-focused computer training for mid-career journalists. The workshops — delivered to accepted fellows at no charge — are funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation and are held at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.

This year the KDMC will deliver five multimedia and two technology training workshops. Each workshop accepts 20 applicants. All lodging, meals, training and materials are provided without fee. Accepted fellows must pay their own travel expenses.

Multimedia Workshops

Participants in the intense, six-day Multimedia Workshops produce publication-ready multimedia stories using proven journalistic story-telling techniques and the latest hardware and software.

Topics covered include using digital video cameras, photo cameras and audio recorders; doing storyboards, stand-ups, voiceovers and other broadcast techniques; digital video, audio and photo editing using Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro and Photoshop; creating photo slide shows with Flash; Web page creation using Dreamweaver, and multimedia Web site design. Also included are noontime and evening presentations by experts on the most pressing issues in online publishing.

Technology Training Workshops

The Technology Training Workshops provide hands-on, newsroom-focused training on technologies driving innovation in reporting. Workshop fellows create database-driven map mash-ups, use of GPS for hyperlocal news, create and post to blogs, create audio, video and .pdf podcasts, and create identities and participate in social networking sites.

A major component of the intense 12-hour daily schedule is engaging in discussions lead by national leaders in journalism, technology, business, and newsroom innovation. Participants leave with new tools for reporting and with new insights on how to serve new and emerging audiences.

Applicants

Print, radio, broadcast and online reporters and editors who want to lead their newsroom’s transition to24/7 interactive, integrated multimedia, multi-platform news and feature delivery significantly benefit from KDMC’s proven training approach. KDMC also recognizes the need to actively engage in the professional development of new journalists and accepts applications from j-school educators who are building convergence curricula.
Workshop participants are expected to attend all sessions and activities, stay in the host hotel and join in workshop meals.

Applications for the Technology Training for Editors and Technology Training for Reporters are now open.

The Application Process

The application process requires a letter of interest, resume, a training plan and a letter of support from your supervisor. In addition the supervisor needs to confirm the organization will spend a minimum of $2,000 in the next year for hardware, software and additional training to support multimedia reporting. The application is seldom completed in one session and can be saved and returned to as many times as necessary up to the application deadline.

Applicants are evaluated on professional achievements, demonstrated leadership, supervisor and publication support, and the potential impact the applicant will have after completing the training. An important component of the application process and evaluation is the peer training plan that details how the applicant will share the knowledge gained from the seminar with his or her news organization colleagues.

For more information, please visit our FAQ.