Covering Local Government Workshop
Contact
Jennifer FaulknerS.C. Press Association
803-750-9561
jfaulkner@scpress.org
Good local government reporting is a mainstay of media coverage, yet often reporters don’t have the background to properly understand how municipal government works and where to go for information and stories. Join the S.C. Press Association, Municipal Association of South Carolina and S.C. Broadcasters Association on Thursday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., as we delve into issues related to covering local government bodies.
The cost to attend is $45, which includes lunch. The registration deadline is Feb. 6.
9:30-10 a.m. – Registration
10-11:30 a.m. – Understanding and reporting on budgets
Difference in types of bonds, property tax cap, annexation, with a hands-on budget comparison
11:30-11:40 a.m. – Break
11:40-12:15 p.m. – Municipal Government 101
Forms of government and how that impacts budget matters
12:15-1 p.m. – Working Lunch/Story ideas and MASC resources
1-1:50 p.m. – Panel Discussion: Improving local government coverage
Featuring a panel of S.C. journalists
1:50-2 p.m. – Break
2-2:50 p.m. – Discussion on FOIA, agendas and executive session
2:50-3:50 p.m. – Using Local Government Finance Reports for Comparison
How to use the numbers in the Local Government Finance Report that cities submit to the Budget and Control Board each year. This compilation of info can be very useful to a reporter trying to decipher through how one city compares to another. Includes a demonstration on how to use reports to drill down on issues and find key data.
3:50-4 p.m. – Wrap Up and Q&A
SCPA members may pay by credit card, check or ask to be invoiced.
S.C. Broadcasters Association members: Please note you must pay by credit card or mail a check to SCPA (106 Outlet Pointe Blvd., Columbia, SC 29210) in advance when registering. Payment must be received by Feb. 7 in order to attend. SCPA is not able to invoice you for this event.