Join us for Breaking (bad) News at 6 p.m. on Sept. 25!

In the world of journalism, sometimes “Breaking News” can feel as intense and unpredictable as a “Breaking Bad” episode — both reveal the raw and often unsettling truths of our times, and can push reporters to the limits of deciding between being the first to the story or doing their due diligence. Join Arkansas SPJ at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack in downtown Little Rock for a game of “What Would You Do” as we discuss the best practices of breaking news in a digital age. The event will be emceed by Caitrin Assaf of KARK 4 and judges are Arkansas Democrat-Gazette senior online editor, Arkansas Advocate Editor-in-Chief Sonny Albarado and Log Cabin Democrat Editor Jeanette Stewart. Winner(s) will take home up to $100 in cash!

From Stigma to Understanding: Best Practices for Suicide Reporting

Ahead of National Suicide Prevention Month in September, Arkansas SPJ presented the webinar From Stigma to Understanding: Best Practices for Suicide Reporting, a program highlighting the importance of responsible reporting on mental health and suicide, including safe reporting guidelines and resources for journalists.

Arkansas SPJ vice president and FOX16 evening anchor Kevin Kelly, who launched an anti-bullying campaign called Step-Up, Stop Bullying, moderated the program with Jacqueline Sharp, area director for the Arkansas chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Aneri Pattani, a senior correspondent at KFF Health News, a national nonprofit outlet covering U.S. health care and health policy.

Additional resources:

Here is a link to the free online course Aneri Pattani helped create with Johns Hopkins University to teach journalists how to report on suicide responsibly.

Find the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s safe reporting guidelines for media here.

Reporting on suicide? Consider these common problems and their solutions,” a Poynter article by Al Tompkins.

Best practices for covering suicide responsibly,” a Poynter article by Kelly McBride.

The Carter Center Journalism Resource Guide on Behavioral Health

The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma: Tip Sheet for Reporting on Suicide

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Suicide Contagion and the Reporting of Suicide: Recommendations from a National Workshop

 

Cocktails, a contest and good conversation

The Society of Professional Journalists, Arkansas Pro Chapter will host a cocktail mixer this Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5:30 until whenever at 109 and Co., 109 Main St., Little Rock, Ark. Come meet your fellow Arkansas journalists and enjoy a few specialty cocktails!

See the flyer below for more info. A big thank you to board members Jennifer Ellis and Chelsea Boozer for planning this!

mixer

#SPJdesk Contest