By Betsy Model, President
Dear SPJ Rio Grande Chapter Members:
Let’s face it; for most of us, our days and our jobs revolve around some form of investigation whether it be sources, facts, figures or leads for the next great story…
Michael Corwin, PI
Albuquerque-based private investigator Michael Corwin has investigated everything from campaign funding and murder cases to key figure background checks and negligence suits. He routinely works with journalists and editors – often partnering with a news professional or team on in-depth stories – and his cases are routinely covered on the 5 o’clock news, the front page or on national news magazine shows like “Dateline.” Michael is the author of multiple titles related to investigation – including academic titles related to law and investigation and the consumer title “The Everyday Detective Information System: How Using PI Techniques Can Save a Fortune, Protect Your Family and Empower You” – and is a regular lecturer at the University of New Mexico Law School, California’s Loyola Law School and continuing education workshops for Bar Association members, paralegals and journalists.
On Friday, August 27th, Michael Corwin will be teaching a 90-minute workshop on “Efficient Investigation” in Albuquerque that is specifically tailored to the needs of journalists. The workshop will begin at 11:30 and include a traditional workshop format for the first hour followed by a thirty-minute Q&A session that will allow him to address specific needs, questions and commonly-held myths about investigation that may be slowing you down. Michael will cover the essentials behind fact-based investigation techniques including how to organize and structure an investigation from first step to last, how to find and best utilize “walking/talking” sources, how to better utilize the Internet (including a collection of favorite websites that contain more information than most people realize…) and how social media has changed the face of investigation, both in data availability and in locating sources and source information.
A critical workshop for anyone whose job involves identifying, collecting, vetting and ultimately utilizing data – whether quotes, statistics, financial documents or paper trails – this event will allow both group and one-on-one opportunities to ask a professional investigator for inside tips that can lead to award-winning work.
On Thursday, October 14, Michael will teach the identical course in El Paso.
What: A Luncheon Workshop on “Efficient Investigation” with Investigator Michael Corwin
Who: All SPJ Rio Grande Chapter Members and a Special Invite to Non-Member Journalists from New Mexico and West Texas
When: Friday, August 27, Albuquerque. Thursday, October 14, El Paso.
Where: Albuquerque = Training room at The Zephyr Group, 6565 Americas Parkway NE, Suite 200, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Free parking in parking structure, one block off of I-40 and Louisiana.
El Paso = Location TBD
Cost: Students, $15; SPJ Pro Members, $15; Non-Members, $20. Lunch – pizza and drinks – in included in the workshop registration fee! Registrations fees are, as continuing education, tax deductible and attendees will receive a receipt.
A “pretty” invitation will go out this weekend to non-member journalists but our members get priority reservations. Since space will be modestly limited at each location, please check your calendar and RSVP to Betsy Model at 505-466-2770 or at bmodel@betsymodel.com
Looking forward to seeing you all in Albuquerque or El Paso!