Goldstein is interim dean, professor of Journalism, and director of the Media Studies Program at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. He has been a journalism educator for more than 25 years, first at the University of Florida, then at and at Columbia. Goldstein worked as a reporter at AP, Newsday, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Please note, the luncheon requires its own ticket, available here. And, of course, it’ll be better than a sack lunch. We promise.

Check back frequently for updates on programming, events and attendees. All programing and events will occur on the Hilton grounds. The address is:

555 Universal Hollywood Drive
Universal City, CA 91608-1001

4:30 p.m.         Regional Meeting

  6-8 p.m.           Opening Reception

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March 31

7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.        Breakfast

9 a.m.         Opening  Remarks

9:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m.                   One Man Band: Beyond Broadcast

10:45 a.m.-Noon          Technology/Social Media Session

12:15 p.m. – 2 p.m.      Mark of Excellence Luncheon

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.   Freak Out!

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.   Ethics Scenarios Session

4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.   Jobs in the Newsrooms of the Future

5:15 p.m. – 7:00p.m.    Mentoring and Networking

Note: Schedule is tentative and subject to change. Check back for updates.

Technology and Social Media – 10:45 a.m.-Noon 
Participants are encouraged to log onto SPJLA-bestofthewest.org to submit their questions about Twitter, Facebook, WordPress and anything tech-related. The top questions will be selected and answered, during this interactive session, by Julie Spira, social media strategist and the CEO of Social Media and More, and Ellen Olivier, society columnist and creator of Society News LA.

Freak Out! – 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Learn how to cover and react to emotional and traumatic stories. KNX 1070 business news anchor and immediate past president of the Greater Los Angeles chapter, Frank Mottek, will moderate the discussion. The panelists will be:

Dr. Leslie Seppinni, doctor of Clinical Psychology
David Singer, Psychotherapist, trauma therapist, news producer
Diane Thompson, News Anchor, KNX 1070 Newsradio

Ethics Scenarios – 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
You can be right and still be wrong. Times Community News Editor Dan Evans will present common ethical dilemmas that reporters and editors face. Participants will be divided into groups to work through each dilemma. Their answers will then be presented to the group for discussion.

Jobs in the Newsrooms of the Future  – 4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Barbara Lopez-Nash, regional human resources director for Tribune Broadcasting and KTLA, and Marcia Brandwynne, regular contributor to the syndicated program, “America Now,” will talk about the specific skills and experiences they look for when hiring anchors, reporters, multi-media journalists, producers, writers and managers.

KCBS reporter Bob Butler and Rich Goldner, the news director for KSWB-TV FOX5 San Diego, are also confirmed to participate. This is a great opportunity to meet face-to-face with the people directly in charge of hiring reporters in some of the city’s most important newsrooms.

Mentoring and Networking – 5:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 
Students will be paired with professional journalists for one-on-one mentoring. Use this session to ask questions, seek advice and make a connection with a reporter who knows the ups and downs of the business.

Concurrent with the sessions, we will host a Networking Room. Stocked with coffee and cookies, this place will be available to meet other reporters and continue Q&As with panelists once their sessions are over.

• Promoting professional development
• Supporting open government
• Protecting the First Amendment
• Advocating for shield laws
• Understanding and resolving ethical issues
• Staying informed about relevant issues

SPJ/LA has won many honors, including the national SPJ Circle of Excellence Award in 2009, for its programs aimed at honing professional skills, and keeping abreast of the important issues affecting the practice of journalism.

In addition to programs on topical issues in news and media today, the chapter hosts regular informal “mixers” that provide opportunities for networking with other journalists and news sources.

And, the chapter members remain consistent campaigners for government openness and a better working relationship between law enforcement and the media. SPJ/LA annually provide scholarships that help worthy college students complete their journalism degrees.