Here’s something worth noting: In February, the Ohio University SPJ and RTDNA chapters will hold their first “Sunshine Summit” to bring together student journalists and professionals from Ohio and beyond to discuss press freedom issues confronting student journalists.

At the conference, the two student groups will work to draft a policy to propose to the Ohio Board of Regents and the University System of Ohio, which will aim to standardize open meeting and open record policies in Ohio. The conference will include a series of panels, guest speakers and breakout sessions that will educate journalists throughout Ohio about current laws, university policies and how to protect their rights as student journalists. (I am told SPJ National President Hagit Limor might make an appearance!)

The summit is Feb. 26, 2011, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Walter Hall Rotunda on the campus of Ohio University. For more information, e-mail Taylor Mirfendereski.

The registration is now OPEN for the SPJ Regional Conference, April 1-2, 2011, at the METS Center in Northern Kentucky.

Early bird registration is among the least expensive SPJ regional conferences in the country, with a lineup of rock-star speakers designed to inspire and teach. You can find a link to registration here: http://spj2011.eventbrite.com. Registration is $50 for student SPJ members, and $70 for SPJ pro members. This early bird price is only good through March 4 – so grab your seat fast. You can also find a link to the conference hotel on that same page.

You can find a lengthy description of the conference on the Event Brite site, which will be updated as we continue to line up speakers. We’re excited to announce our keynote speaker, Jonathan Katz, AP International Desk reporter, who will discuss his work in Haiti during the earthquake and subsequent humanitarian crisis.

Students will receive their Mark of Excellence Awards at the conference, which covers seven states: Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. We’ll also provide an opportunity for student members to get their work critiqued during the afternoon of Saturday, April 2. We will also be offering newsroom tours of The Cincinnati Enquirer and WCPO-TV, the local ABC affiliate.

Questions? Let us know. We’re here to help.

Contacts:

James Pilcher, Region 4 Director

Cell: 513-378-3203

jpilcher@Kalioinc.com or jpilcher@fuse.net

Robyn Davis Sekula, Louisville Chapter President

812-981-8223 (office/home)

502-608-6125 (cell)

RobynSekula@sbcglobal.net