Minnesota News Council

YOU'RE INVITED: Public Forum Feb. 12th

The News Council will hold a public forum on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7:00 p.m.

The topic of discussion? News coverage of the Somali Community in the Twin Cities area. A panel of experts - local journalists and Somali community leaders - will discuss challenges to covering an immigrant community; chat about great stories that are being told - and those that are missed; and discuss the differing roles of the mainstream media and the ethnic news media in covering the Somali community. Panelists will also field questions from the audience. Please join us, and be part of this discussion.

Event details:
Where: U of MN Journalism School -- Murphy Hall Room 130
[Driving directions and parking information here.]

When: Thursday, February 12, 2009 | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

What: A discussion about news coverage of the Somali community: What are the challenges to covering an immigrant community? Are there good stories that aren't being told? How can we build strong relationships between the media and Somali community leaders?

Go to www.news-council.org for more information.

Presented by the Minnesota News Council, with co-sponsors, The Minnesota Journalism Center and MN Society of Professional Journalists.

142nd Annual MNA Convention

The Minnesota News Council staff will attend the 142nd Annual Minnesota Newspaper Association Convention Jan 28-30. Please visit us at Booth 20 in the trade show area.

Several hundred newspaper professionals -- including publishers, editors, advertising specialists and other newsroom staff will gather to celebrate Minnesota newspaper journalism. Thursday's luncheon will feature former WCCO meterologist Paul Douglas, and winners of the Better Newspaper Contest Awards will be recognized at a celebration banquet on Thursday evening. The convention schedule is jam-packed with professional development programming.

The MNA represents 25 daily newspapers and 345 weekly and community newspapers throughout Minnesota.

2008 Complaints Wrap-Up

The News Council received 57 total complaints in 2008. Tune in next month for more detailed information about complaints received in 2008.

Breakdown by type of complaint:
General -- 37
Personal -- 7
Unaddressable --13

Breakdown by news outlet type:
Newspaper -- 38
Television -- 10
N/A -- 8
Radio -- 1

Method of complaint submission:
Online -- 31
Phone -- 18
Mail -- 6
Fax -- 2

NEW: Media Membership Option

The News Council is rolling out a new membership program for media outlets in Minnesota. We invite you to join (or encourage your local newspaper to join) the Council as a member – at any level – and demonstrate a commitment to fair, vigorous and trusted journalism in Minnesota.

Members will gain access to exclusive benefits, including:

• Free monthly syndicated editorial columns from the MNC to be published in your paper. In the columns, MNC leaders and guest columnists weigh in on current issues in media ethics, shed light on the editorial process and more.
• Free access to our 1-800 ethics hotline, a resource available to you and your staff when you are making tough ethical decisions and would like to consult an expert.
• Recognition of your membership on the MNC Web site, in the monthly e-newsletter and the annual report.
• Access to special “Members Only” events, as well as special Web-only forums and discussions.

Media outlets already making annual financial contributions to the News Council will automatically be enrolled as members. If you are not already a contributor, please consider signing on as a member of the nation’s oldest news council.

If you have questions or would like a membership packet, please contact Erika Roland (by phone - 612-339-0030, or email - erika.roland@news-council.org).

UPCOMING EVENTS

MNA Convention

Jan 28-30, 2009
Sheraton Bloomington
Visit us at Booth 20!
More info and directions

Media Stars Quiz Bowl

January 29, 2009
7:00 p.m.
U of MN - East Bank
McNamara Alumni Center
More info and directions

MNC Public Forum

Feb. 12, 2009
7:00-9:00 p.m.
U of MN - East Bank
Murphy Hall, Rm 130
Directions

Journalism that Matters Conference @ Poynter

March 1-4, 2009
Poynter Institute
St. Petersburg, FL
More info and registration

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Support the News Council

The Minnesota News Council is supported by news organizations, corporations, associations, foundations and individuals. Learn how you can help today.