Best Practices in Journalism : Workshops

		Sat.29.Nov

Producing Debates (and how to survive them)

Saturday	18 May	[updated 10.May.02]
8:008:30 a.m.	Breakfast and Introductions
8:309:00 a.m.	Opening Discussion: Debate Problems Weve Known and Loved
9:0010:30 a.m.	Whos Asking the Questions Pros and cons of citizen questioners - selection process for citizens - other ways to involve citizens Role of journalists and moderators Having candidates question each other
10:3010:45 a.m.	Break
10:4512:15 p.m.	What Gets Asked How are issues identified for the actual debate? Role of tape set-up pieces Truth checking during the debate Whats off-limits?
12:151:15 p.m.	Lunch and Legal Briefing Speaker: Brady Williamson, attorney and past Democratic Party Presidential Debates negotiator What are your obligations and requirements as a broadcaster? When is it a debate? What if one candidate doesnt participate? Do equal time rules apply?
1:302:45 p.m.	Non-traditional Debate Formats The Mini-Debate Debates within newscasts Virtual debate Quiz shows, props, and other Minnesota inventions
2:453:00 p.m.	Break
3:004:00 p.m.	The Get: Who do you get to debate and how do you get them? Third party candidates Who gets to play: Creating a written participation policy Dealing with campaign staff
4:005:00 p.m.	Feedback Session Time to bring up your debate issues and get feedback for colleagues.
6:308:30 p.m.	Reception and Dinner
Sunday	19 May
8:008:30 a.m.	Breakfast Show and Tell: Debate examples from around the country
8:309:30 a.m.	Location, Location, Location Debate logistics: studio vs. remote, set considerations, live vs. tape
9:3010:30 a.m.	Partnerships or Dancing Alone? The advantages and lessons learned from partnerships, as well as a discussion of the care and feeding required for making them work. Top ten lessons learned How to put together a partnership agreement
10:3011:00 a.m.	Time to Think and Plan The goal is for each participant to have a take home debate plan by the end of the session.
11:0012:00 p.m.	Closing Meeting Reviewing your debate plans and take-home ideas.