KPA to offer Newswriting 101 course

The Kansas Press Association plans to offer an introductory newswriting course beginning this fall.

KPA has had interest expressed by newspaper editors and publishers who want to use local talent at their operations but need the basics of journalism taught to them.

Doug Anstaett, former KPA executive director and now consultant and lobbyist for the association, has agreed to prepare the course.

“We’ve asked Doug to prepare a program that we can offer in-person but might eventually be able to offer in a webinar format at some point to our members,” said Emily Bradbury, KPA executive director. “Part of how it evolves will depend on the response from members.”

Anstaett is compiling information from his own 46-year experience in the industry and from a number of online sources as well.

“We will probably try to set up a regional meeting where a few newspapers can send their newest staff members for training,” Anstaett said. “We’re going to try to be as flexible as needed to make this work.”

The plan is to have the course ready to offer by Oct. 1. If you’re interested in participating, make that known by emailing Anstaett at danstaett@kspress.com or Emily Bradbury at ebradbury@kspress.com.