Live from the Specialized Reporting Institute

The Economy and Mental Health

By Nancy Lane, president, Local Media Association
Thanks to a grant from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, 20 journalists were awarded scholarships to attend a two-day specialized reporting institute that takes place today and tomorrow in Chicago at the Sun-Times. The program is being led by Bill Handy, coordinator of Medill's Global Journalism Program (Northwestern University) and assistant  professor.  

The opening session featured feedback from the attendees about the state of mental health and social service programs in their communities. Most of the attendees are sharing stories of dramatic cuts in all areas including women's services, assistance for veterans, mental health programs and more. Attendees are looking forward to learning more during the two days about how to cover these stories in the most effective and ethical way in the communities that they serve. 

Stayed tuned for the key takeaways from this symposium posted live on the Local Media Association web site throughout the next two days.

Thanks to the McCormick Foundation for sponsoring this two-day reporting symposium.