NEW YORK -- The Society of Professional Journalists ("SPJ") and Bloomberg today announced that they will launch a groundbreaking newsroom training program for working journalists. The partnership between SPJ and Bloomberg pairs the nation's leading journalism group with one of the world's leading news organizations.
According to SPJ Professional Development Chair Deb Wenger, "The SPJ/Bloomberg Journalism Training Program will bring trained instructors into newsrooms across North America. The program will help reporters explore critical concerns in journalism, from ethics and Freedom of Information issues to writing precision and multimedia reporting."

The SPJ/Bloomberg Journalism Training Program debuts at the 2004 SPJ National Convention in New York City. The SPJ convention begins tomorrow.

"The SPJ/Bloomberg Journalism Training Program is designed to expand the quality and integrity of American journalists, in a program tailored to reporters' schedules," according to Matt Winkler, Editor in Chief of Bloomberg News. "Today's fast moving markets and information technology demand a high level of accuracy, integrity and timeliness in news reporting. This program will help to bring a high degree of journalistic excellence and education to newsrooms across the country." The SPJ/Bloomberg Journalism Training Program is modeled, in part, on the training programs developed at Bloomberg News.

The program marks the first time the Society of Professional Journalists has partnered with a news organization on a project of this magnitude, according to Wenger.

"Bloomberg's focus on educating journalists makes it the ideal partner for SPJ on this training program," Wenger said. "We look forward to sharing our experience and expertise with working journalists across America."

The SPJ/Bloomberg Journalism Training Program provides:

* Exploration of critical issues in journalism today; current sessions focus on ethics, freedom of information, writing precision, multi-media convergence, and a "how-to" on following a story to its source.

* Adaptable session plans tailored to the needs of journalism professionals working in print, broadcast and online.

* On-site training to accommodate newsroom schedules.

* Takeaways, handouts and action plans that ensure that the impact of the training doesn't end when the trainers leave the newsroom.

To register for the SPJ/Bloomberg Journalism Training Program, newsrooms can contact Chris Vachon, SPJ Director of Programs, at 317/927-8000, ext. 200 or cvachon@spj.org.