Montana journalists visit UM
to learn skills, share news

By Chelsi Moy
J-School Web Reporter

The School of Journalism hosted a revivial meeting of sorts last month for journalists from around the state to shine up their skills, learn new ones and talk about newspapers.

"It is a good refresher course in some old journalism school religion," said UM professor Dennis Swibold, who coordinated with the Montana Newspaper Association to organize the Grizzly Journalism Camp for Professionals.

Forty-five journalists from 26 newspapers attended the Oct. 18-19 camp. Besides the learning value, Swibold said, it was also a great opportunity for journalists around the state to meet new J-school faculty.
MNA Executive Director Jim Fall said he was pleased with the turnout.

"This attracted several people that have not participated in activities for a while," he said. "What attracted them was the learning opportunity."

The J-school offered eight hour-long workshops covering the major aspects of print and photojournalism. Participants were encouraged to send samples of their work for professors to study prior to the camp.

A handful of journalists from across the state, mainly small weekly newspapers, have never been taught rudimentary journalism skills, Swibold said. He believes it is important that journalists have the opportunity to seek experienced help if they wish.

Jan Anderson, president of MNA and owner of the Jefferson County Courier in Clancy, believes it is a good habit to consistently review the fundamentals.

"We sometimes think we are good at everything, but we can always use the practice," Anderson said.
She found the designing session interesting because she is redesigning the Courier. Hints regarding mastheads and color techniques will be helpful in the redesign, she said.

Joe Warren from the Lone Peak Lookout in Big Sky said the course on writing leads was most useful for him. It’s too easy to forget how important a story’s lead can be, he said. Being able to construct a lead for every beat is essential at small papers.

"It’s important to remember how to get started," Warren said. "Especially at the small papers when you’re writing leads for sports, features and school board meetings all in the same day."
Reviewing the technical side of journalism is a healthy practice, but many people agreed the camp’s social aspect was most beneficial.

"It’s just good to talk about what you do," Swibold said. Being in the same room with other journalists, swapping ideas and discussing ethical issues made the camp a success.

"You don’t get to do that on a regular basis because you’re stuck in the newsroom," said Kristin Neill, managing editor for the Lewistown News-Argus. "The people outside your industry don’t understand."

Dick Crawford from the Big Horn County News, who has been in the business for 25 years, said it is important to remember that the same issues plague all reporters; no one has to face tough decisions alone.

But consequences can be more obvious in smaller communities, said Neill. A newspaper can see the impact it makes on a community when everyone knows one another.

"In small towns, people don’t forget," she said.

Overall, participants thought the camp was a success. The only complaint was that too much information was packed into a day and a half.

"Topics we got involved in we could have devoted a couple days to," Crawford said.
Fall said the J-school and the MNA are talking about offering the camp every other year from now on.

Return to School of Journalism home page