Apply for an All-Expenses-Paid Seminar on 'Covering the Green Economy' June 28-30

PHOENIX, March 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism is offering 20 fellowships for an all-expenses-paid seminar on "Covering the Green Economy" June 28-30 in Phoenix.

This three-day specialized reporting institute, combined with two follow-up Webinars, will arm attendees with information to help them recognize "greenwashing," track federal stimulus dollars designed to create green jobs and answer consumers' most frequently asked questions about leading environmentally sustainable lives.

Through the generous support of the McCormick Foundation, fellowships cover the full cost of training, lodging, materials and most meals. In addition, fellows receive a $450 stipend to help offset travel and other costs. The full schedule for the seminar, including speakers, will be available soon.

"The volume of press releases and other pitches that business journalists get from companies saying they are doing something to be green has exploded in recent years," said Linda Austin, executive director of the Reynolds Center. "Those attending this seminar will be better prepared to question those claims and assess the responses."

The seminar will be held at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in downtown Phoenix. ASU is also home to the nation's first School of Sustainability.

"Phoenix and Arizona State University are recognized leaders in research and development of the emerging green economy," said Clark Bell, the McCormick Foundation's journalism program director.  "The Cronkite School is an ideal venue for a comprehensive reporting workshop on vital sustainability issues."

The selection process is highly competitive, and applicants will need to provide the following at BusinessJournalism.org:

• A 500-word statement describing how attending the conference will improve their coverage and what their plan is to share what they learn with their colleagues.
• A statement of support from their supervisor. (Waived for freelancers.)
• A resume.
• A headshot photo.
• A 100-word bio.

Deadline for applications is April 26.

Questions? E-mail Kelly Carr, senior online producer at the Reynolds Center, or call 602-496-5439.

About the Reynolds Center

The Reynolds Center, created through generous grants from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation of Las Vegas and operated by ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, is dedicated to improving the quality of business journalism. It offers free professional training through Webinars and regional workshops, as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees with a business journalism specialization. It also offers daily tips on how to cover business better at BusinessJournalism.org and administers the Barlett & Steele Awards for Investigative Business Journalism.

About the McCormick Foundation

The McCormick Foundation is committed to strengthening our free, democratic society by investing in children, communities and country. Through its grant-making programs, Cantigny Park and Golf, museums, and civic outreach programs, the Foundation helps build a more active and engaged citizenry. It was established as a charitable trust in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The McCormick Foundation is one of the nation's largest charities, with more than $1 billion in assets.

SOURCE Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism