A McCormick Tribune Specialized Reporting Institute
Covering the Presidential Nominating Process
Presented by Drake University and the Poynter Insitute
With support from
The Des Moines Register and Iowa Public Television
Start Date: June 4, 2007 End Date: June 6, 2007
For Schedule in Word click HERE ---For Schedule as PDF click HERE
Tuition: Underwritten
by the McCormick Tribune Foundation 
Come to Iowa to learn what readers, viewers and listeners expect this year from political coverage. Participate in a unique Community Conversation featuring voters, former governor and presidential candidate Tom Vilsack and Tom Rosenstiel, Director of the Project for Excellence in Journalism.
Who will benefit:
Journalists working in all platforms who are relatively new to political reporting, especially those with two or fewer years of political reporting experience.
You'll learn:
- To find your way around Iowa's "first in the nation" caucuses.
- To tell better stories about the race for president, local
and state elections, public opinion polls, campaign strategy, issues and
politics in general.
- To follow the money trail in any given campaign to stories
that others miss.
- To go beyond the horse race in reporting about public opinion
polls.
- To keep your ethics and your accuracy intact, despite barrages of disinformation and campaign trickery.
Your teachers:
Faculty from the Poynter Institute and Drake University, along with experienced professionals -- including Jennifer Sizemore of MSNBC.com; David Yepsen of the Des Moines Register; Dave Busiek, News Director of KCCI-TV; former Bush strategist Matt Dowd of ViaNovo; pollster Ann Selzer of Selzer & Company; Brant Houston of Investigative Editors and Reporters (IRE); Mike Glover of the Associated Press and others.
Who can attend?
Working journalists who have never covered the Iowa Caucuses or who are relatively new to political reporting, especially those who have two or fewer years of experience covering politics, elections or political campaigns. Preference will be given to those working in the Midwest.
How much does it cost?
Funding from the McCormick Tribune Foundation will underwrite the seminar and the travel (mileage reimbursement or economy airfare) and lodging expenses of 16 selected participants.
To apply:
Email or FAX the following information to:
515-271-2798 FAX
1. Your name, address, telephone and email contact information
2. Name, address, telephone and email contact information of your employer
3. A brief statement of support for your attendance from your employer.
4. A 300-word essay explaining how the seminar will benefit you, your readers or audience and your community.
5. A one-page, up to date resume.
DEADLINE: MAY 10, 2007
Tips on applying:
- Polish up your resume. Be sure it is up-to-date
and presents your experience and accomplishments in their best light.
- Get your boss to write. We need to know
how your boss thinks your attendance will help you do your job.
- Develop a terrific 250-300 word essay. Describe your passion and dedication to your craft and your interest in and experience with covering politics. We also want to know about your daily duties, how this seminar is relevant to your job, your seminar goals and how you will apply your training when you get back to your newsroom.