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The Reed College of Media and College of Creative Arts will merge to form the new WVU College of Creative Arts and Media as of July 1, 2024. Get details.

SPJ to host panel on freelancing

“Freelancing: Getting your foot in the newsroom door” is the topic of a special panel presentation 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14 in Room 205 Martin Hall.

The event is designed for anyone who wants to get a start in the news business – print, broadcast or otherwise. It is co-sponsored by the SOJ’s chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio, Television, Digital News Association.

Panelists include:

  • Jean Snedegar: Freelance journalist and program producer, West Virginia Public Radio
  • Tony Dobies: SOJ alumnus, writer for WVU Communications, former stringer for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
  • Mike Ciarochi: Sports editor for the Uniontown, Pa., Herald-Standard
  • Toni Cekada: Current SOJ student who developed an internship into a stringing opportunity and now into a full-time job offer

Topics will include:

  • how to take the first steps in freelancing and stringing
  • how to land assignments and handle them successfully
  • do’s and don’ts for stringers and freelancers
  • how to pitch ideas for news stories and to market stories already produced