IN PRAISE OF MPR’S COVERARGE OF RIOTS IN MINNEAPOLIS • “VIRTUAL TUDENT BOOTCAMP” OFFERS CAREER SKILLS AT A REASONABLE PRICE

Photo courtesy of MPR News

Over the past few days Minnesota Public Radio’s news channel (MPR News) has distinguished itself with its superb reporting on events after the murder of George Floyd.

MPR News has a big advantage over other media sources: It is closer to action. MPR’s reporters know the neighborhoods where the worst violence has occurred. Some of them live in Minneapolis neighborhoods such as Longfellow, Cedar/Riverside and east Lake Avenue near Uptown. They know first-hand what is important for people to know.

Photo courtesy of MPR News

We particularly like the way MPR News blends local faces and places into the story. Their focus on the damage to family-owned restaurants like the Town Talk Diner & Gastropub, is heart breaking. The burning of Town Talk, a business that opened days after the end of prohibition, is a deep loss for the community.

MPR News is also more nimble than national cable TV networks. MPR’s coverage conveys the immediacy of situation. For the latest news, check out MPR News' live blog here.

VIRTUAL STUDENT MEDIA BOOTCAMP IS SET FOR JULY

In past years, hundreds of college students travelled to the Twin Cities in the summer to participate in a college media workshop at the University of Minnesota. 

This year it will be online. 

That will provide an opportunity for more people to virtually attend.

The Virtual Student Media Bootcamp [link] is scheduled for July 20^th through the 30^th. The gathering is sponsored by three organizations:

The Associated Collegiate Press [link], the 
College Media Association [link] and the College Media Business and Advertising Managers [link]. Members of the College Radio Broadcasters (CBI) also participate.

In a press release for the event, the sponsors say why it is particularly timely this year:

“The challenges are now unprecedented.
You need help — and trusted advice — going into the year ahead.
That’s why the College Media Mega Workshop has transformed into
the Student Media Virtual Bootcamp.
We’ve trained hundreds of collegiate journalists and prepared them for their challenges. 
Let us help you, too.”

Three tracks are being offered to attendees: Week One (July 20-23), Week Two (July 27-30) and à la carte sessions. The cost to attend is $169.00 per person.

Registration information and description of sessions are here.