Covering Elections in the Age of Misinformation

The 2024 election cycle is producing more misinformation from more sources than ever before. How do journalists separate fact from fiction? And how do we do it with today’s tight deadlines? Learn from some of the best, and bring your own best-practices in this free nonpartisan workshop that’s geared toward experienced and younger journalists.

Arizona journalists and journalism students are invited to join SPJ’s Valley of the Sun pro and ASU campus chapters and the First Amendment Coalition of Arizona for “Interviewing and Covering Elections in the Age of Misinformation,” 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, in the famous Concho Room of the historic Westward Ho hotel. 618 N. Central in downtown Phoenix. Get tips and training from top reporters and elections experts. And once again, it’s free.

Expected speakers include:

• Garrett Archer / ABC 15 "The Data Guru"
• Jessica Boehm / Axios Phoenix
• Lauren Gilger / KJZZ-FM "The Show" Host
• Mark Greenblatt / Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, ASU Cronkite School
• Professor Thom Reilly / Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy, ASU School of Public Affairs
• Brahm Resnik / 12 News "Sunday Square Off" Host
• Yvonne Wingett Sanchez / The Washington Post
• Dennis Welch / CBS 5 & 3TV "Politics Unplugged" Host

Sponsored by the Valley of the Sun pro and ASU campus chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the First Amendment Coalition of Arizona. Our sincere thanks to ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions for arranging for our meeting room.

Stock photo by Unsplash

PROGRAM:

8:30 to 9 a.m. Arrival and continental breakfast

9 to 9:10 a.m. Welcome and introductions

9:10 to 10 a.m. Turning misinformation into accurate news stories. How do you wade through the barrage of inaccurate story pitches and answers to questions to create accurate, valuable and meaningful journalism? Yvonne Wingett-Sanchez, Washington Post; Jessica Boehm, Axios Phoenix; Mark Greenblatt, Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, ASU Cronkite School

10:10 to 11 a.m. Fact-checking and the live interview. How do you call out an interview subject giving misinformation without alienating viewers? What are the potential pitfalls of live interviews? What are the consequences of posting complete interviews online? Lauren Gilger, “The Show,” KJZZ-FM; Brahm Resnik, “Sunday Square-Off,” 12News; Dennis Welch, “Politics Unplugged,” Arizona’s Family

11:10 a.m. to noon What you should expect from now until election day. Who are the likely key players over the next several weeks? What segments of the voting public will candidates want to court most, and how? What’s the role of data in deciding what to cover?Garrett “The AZ Data Guru” Archer, ABC15; Thom Reilly, ASU Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy

Noon to 1 p.m. A free light lunch -- let's talk about what we've learned

PARKING AND ENTRY: Metered on-street parking available, as well as in ASU lot on the southeast corner of Central and Fillmore, diagonally across from the Westward Ho. Light rail stops are at Van Buren Street and Central/First Avenues two blocks south. Enter the Westward Ho through the glass door on the east side of the hotel facing Central Avenue.

NOTICE OF FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY: By attending an SPJ event, you are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By registering for this event, you are agreeing to these terms: 1. You consent to photography, audio recording, video recording and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction to be used for promotional purposes, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media or any other purpose by SPJ and its representatives. 2, You release SPJ and ALMA, its employees and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or or audio recordings, and you waive all rights to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any use of these materials. 3. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video or audio recording taken by SPJ or ALMA or the person or entity designated to do so by SPJ or ALMA.

HEALTH AND SAFETY STATEMENT: Masks are not required for this event. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to COVID-19 or other illness during your visit. Visit the CDC website for the latest guidance. If you have been exposed, are sick, have illness symptoms of any kind or are caring for someone with COVID-19 you should not attend the event. Additional information about symptoms is available via the CDC website. Participation is at your own discretion and risk.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Westward Ho hotel/Concho Room, 618 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, United States