Join us for the CFABJ Annual Bootcamp in Central Florida Public Media’s Studios in Orlando Florida

Saturday February, 22 2025

Theme:  THE NEXT GENERATION OF JOURNALISTS

Join us for the CFABJ Annual Bootcamp in Central Florida Public Media’s Studios in Orlando, Florida. This year’s Bootcamp promises to be an empowering and engaging experience aimed at cultivating and supporting aspiring Black journalists!

Hosted at Central Florida Public Media, this event is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive media landscape by connecting students, local news managers, and industry professionals for a day filled with learning, networking, and hands-on practice. In addition to these activities, CFABJ will award two $500 scholarships to deserving participants, further supporting their academic and professional journeys. Throughout the day, local news managers will share their experiences in journalism and discuss internships and entry-level job opportunities, reinforcing the commitment to cultivating Black talent in the industry.

Registration ended on Feb. 14 at 5 p.m. 

Schedule-at-a-Glance

8 am Breakfast & Welcome

8:30 am – 9:30 am Crafting Compelling Narratives: Using Audio and Great Writing to Create Visuals –
Introduction into public radio. How good writing and use of audio work together to create a visual radio story to remember.

Panelists:
LaToya Dennis, News Director/Managing Editor for Central Florida Public Media.
Brendan Byrne, Central Florida Public Media Assistant News Director and host.
Talia Blake, Central Florida Public Media Morning Edition host.

9:45 am – 11:45 am Photojournalism & Storytelling 101 – Back to the basics. Shooting techniques, camera demonstrations, shooting techniques, editing, and gear recommendations.

Panelists:
Darran Caudle, former WKMG Chief Photojournalist/Orange Technical College, Digital Video Technology Instructor
Tee Taylor former WKMG photojournalist
Alfred Mason , freelance photographer, former WKMG photojournalist

Noon – 1pm Lunch & Learn – Special Presentation/Social Media Journalism: News Stories for the Digital Age – I saw it on social media. Using social media to promote, expand and engage your audience.

Panelists:
Talia Blake, Central Florida Public Media Morning Edition Host
Molly Duerig, Central Florida Public Media Environment Reporter
Deanna Gugel, Spectrum News 13 Digital Producer

1:15 pm – 3:15 pm News Managers Session & small group break out  – Being a boss. Career path, how to secure internships/fellowships and entry level jobs at my company. How to dress, prepare, homework to do before the interview.

Panelists:
Susan D’Astoli Spectrum News 13, Senior Director of News.
Allison McGinley/Former WKMG News Director/Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, UCF Advancement and Partnership Division.
Stephanie Linton WESH-TV News Director
Robert Brown WJXT-Ch. 4 Jacksonville, News Director.

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm – Market Size & Career Choreography – Real Talk. Where to start your career for maximum growth, pitfalls to avoid, starting salaries, how to manage low pay in entry level jobs.

Panelists:
Curtis McCloud, Spectrum News 13 Anchor
Heather Bailey, WUCF Executive Producer
Kendra Douglas Orlando Magic Team Reporter
Bridgett Ellison WKMG Anchor

4:45 pm – Close –Thank you & goodbyes!

Registration is free. You must be a member of a NABJ student chapter or NABJ affiliate chapter to attend.