The Latest: Washington Post drama continues: Election 2024 headline writing webinar tomorrow; Independent media hustle; Baltimore Banner turns two

Instructor Aubrey Nagle, Resolve Philly’s director of practice change, will examine the craft of writing and framing a headline for a political story; the different types of headlines to use depending upon the story; and the pitfalls of using sensationalized or misleading language.

Participants will also practice writing and rewriting a few headlines to get practical experience in producing responsible headlines for your 2024 election coverage.

3 tips for covering extreme heat

“It is crucial that journalists and media frame stories about the impacts of rising heat within the context of climate change, both to connect the dots for the audience and to raise awareness that can help drive rapid climate action. …

Instead of focusing only on heatwaves, balance coverage between extreme heat events and chronic heat exposure and risk. …

Instead of only showing images of heat impacts, strike a balance by also showing positive action to mitigate or manage risk , such as cooling centers, urban tree planting campaigns, home retrofitting grant initiatives, community outreach programs that check on vulnerable populations etc. …

Instead of asking sources directly about heat and climate change, especially in areas with low acceptance of climate science or trust in the media, ask questions about circumstantial factors that contribute to how community members experience extreme heat , such as if people in their neighborhood have air conditioning, or if they have somewhere to go to cool off.”

-- Excerpt from tipsheet “Reporting on heatwaves and the health impacts of heat” (Global Heat Health Information Network)

Getting started with succession planning at your organization

“Let’s try to normalize having a conversation around succession planning. … None of us is going to live forever. We know this. So let’s think about what the things are that we can do to support the organizations that we’re part of for as long as we’re part of them, and understand that there will be a season and a time for us to not be part of them anymore, and to normalize the conversations with boards, with funders, etc., that it’s okay — and that actually, a successful succession is a matter of having good organizational health.”

-- Amy Kovac-Ashley, executive director of the Tiny News Collective, excerpt from What’s in a successful succession? Nonprofit news leaders on handing the reins to the next guard (Nieman Journalism Lab)

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This newsletter is written & edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco, Bara Vaida, and Holly Butcher Grant. Send us your questions and suggestions for topics to cover.

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The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest. The Institute's tax ID number is 52-1750908.