“Seven Days of Heroin” – Creating Journalism That Makes a Difference
Carolina Ballroom F-H, The Marriott 
Amy Wilson served as editor of “Seven Days of Heroin: This is What An Epidemic Looks Like,” the 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner for Local Reporting. Because the project required the reporting skills of 60 reporters and photojournalists at The Cincinnati Enquirer, much of the editing work was done prior to anything being reported or written. As editor, Wilson worked to get all reporters on the same page – that is, explain in numerous meetings how she wanted the boots-on-the-ground, observational, cinematic work done and by when. She helped plan and manage the logistical morass of the 140-plus assignments, oversee the calling of 45 agencies on each of the seven days and wrestle with daily ethical and legal issues that arose. She also edited the words: a 20-page special section and a dynamic online longform presentation that included a 31-minute documentary.

South Carolina is not immune to the consequences of opioid misuse. Overdosing is at an epidemic level in our state. Wilson will talk about how journalists gave this issue a human face, and how journalism can make a difference. She’ll also offer advice on storytelling and coaching writers to tell really interesting stories in meaningful ways.

This address is the closing event of the “News Literacy and Future of Journalism” series, a nine-month collaborative effort among S.C. Humanities Council, Winthrop University and the Press Association. This series is part of the national initiative on “Democracy and the Informed Citizen,” which seeks to deepen the public’s knowledge and appreciation of the vital connections between democracy, the humanities, journalism, and an informed citizenry.

Wilson is the storytelling coach of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Prior to that, she was a general assignment feature writer for 35 years for the Orange County (CA) Register, the Detroit Free Press and the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, among others.

Daily executive, managing and other senior editors are invited to attend a roundtable luncheon at SCPA's Annual Meeting. Topics are up to the group, but will include: FOI issues, motivating and training staff, special projects, multimedia reporting, social media opportunities and issues, stories that get traction and more.
This event is open to daily editors only. 
Cost to attend: $25

Collegiate members will break out into roundtable discussions on writing, editing/management, and design/photography.