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Government
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RTNDA focuses on disasters, digital technologies
By Alicia Zappier
Apr 21, 2006, 14:15
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For the fifth consecutive year, the Radio-Television News Directors Association is holding its annual conference concurrently with NAB next month in Las Vegas, NV. Setting up shop in the Las Vegas Hilton, RTNDA@NAB will run from April 23-26, a half-day earlier than usual so news directors and producers can return to their jobs in time for May television sweeps.
Registration numbers are healthy, according to RTNDA president Barbara Cochran. “This year we have an exciting program. And co-existing with NAB, the largest broadcasting exhibition in the country, is a great opportunity,” she said.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, knowing how to broadcast in an emergency and communicate in a crisis has become more important than ever. RTNDA will address the topic with a new Super Session on April 23 titled, “Hurricane Katrina: The Lessons Learned.” Various news organizations will detail what they've learned and help other organizations apply those skills to their broadcasting. An opening reception will follow, where RTNDA will celebrate its 60th anniversary.
This year's conference will also pay special attention to the evolving world of digital technology with a new session, “New Media 101 [The Cutting Edge],” which will help attendees sift through the clutter of industry buzzwords, such as podcasting and wikis. “We've always done new media sessions, but we're very excited about the quality of this new track,” Cochran said. “It will address the exact questions that newsrooms are asking, such as what is the digital revolution and how do I make it work for my organization.”
Further addressing digital technology is “Citizen Journalism: Embracing the New Power of Your Audience.” Panelists will discuss how to embrace the citizen journalist movement, from cell phone videos to personal blogs, and how to integrate outside perspectives into newscasts and Web sites.
The RTNDA conference has always been a worthy venue for students and educators, and this year is no exception. The conference will hold its annual job fair on April 26, where students can network with news organizations and important industry figures. Student tracks include “Unnamed Sources and Shield Laws: The Future of 'Deep Throat' Reporting,” which will discuss a journalist's obligation to protect a source. And “The Art of the One-Man Band” returns to offers hands-on experience for students to learn the tricks to producing solo packages.
MORE INFO
RTNDA www.rtnda.org
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