wfn.org | RCCongress 2010 - Brachear of Chicago Tribune to offer workshop

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> Manya A. Brachear

Religion Reporter/Writer, Metro; Chicago Tribune

> RCCongress 2010 Workshop:

What Makes a "Good" Religion Story Today: Relating to the mainstream
media in times of social, religious and technological change

Manya Brachear joined the Chicago Tribune in 2003. As one of the
paper's religion reporters, she has helped chronicle the papal
transition from Rome, the Dalai Lama's visit to Chicago, Protestant
debates about gay clergy, progress and pitfalls of interfaith dialogue
and the emerging role of religion in American politics.

Brachear earned a Bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University
and Masters' degrees in journalism and religious studies from Columbia
University.

She also has written for Time magazine, The Dallas Morning News,
Beliefnet.com and the News & Observer in Raleigh, NC.
What Makes a "Good" Religion Story Today: Relating to the mainstream
media in times of social, religious and technological change

This workshop will offer some tips on how to make religion writers in
today's newsrooms drop everything and pay attention to your texts,
tweets and telephone calls.

* How much are religion reporters juggling day to day?

* What kinds of demands do religion writers face from editors and readers?

* What is the mission of the religion beat in 2010 and beyond?

* How can you help religion writers accomplish that mission and
spread your message?

We will review specific story pitches that did and didn't work and
explore why. We also will discuss alternative pitches such as ideas
for blogs, on-line photo galleries and web videos.

Religion Communication Congress | Voice: 212-870-2985 | Fax:
212-870-2171 | info@rccongress2010.org