On August 17-18 the Centre for Investigative Journalism is organising some free training workshops for independent community based journalism outlets in Birmingham (and yes, I’ll be helping too).
They write:
Through investigative training; advice and guidance in journalistic practice; and support in building regional networks and sustainable business models we aim to revive local and community based reporting to address the democratic deficit left by a decades-long decline in budgets, staff and overall plurality across the UK local media industry.
The new programme hopes to help independent publishers improve their ability to gain access to information and investigate issues affecting their communities, and to share their findings in the public interest.
Some of the reasons behind the training include:
- to encourage greater government and corporate accountability at a local level
- to support democratic scrutiny
- and to reinforce civil society from the ground up
Birmingham isn’t the only region this will be happening, but it will be the first. If you are interested in being involved, please contact us at tom@tcij.org.
Due to the remit of this project CIJ are only able to provide training to journalists working with a specific community/regional focus on a part-time or voluntary basis. The project has been funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
Online Journalism Blog 
Where in Birmingham is it?
At Birmingham City University, Parkside
Every Journalist and Investigator should attend this workshop in Birmingham. Also those who are looking to make there career into investigation and journalism should attend this, it will be beneficial for you.
It sounds like a fabulous event in which myself and my trainees could use extra education. I really wish I were near Birmingham. Maybe you can consider doing a webinar in the future. If you do, be sure to contact me! 🙂
– Curt