UNL and Nebraska Public Media to offer discussion on covering Nebraska courts

January 15, 2022

man writing next to scales of justice

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications and Nebraska Public Media will offer a two-hour discussion on covering Nebraska courts for Nebraska’s beginning and seasoned journalists.

The discussion, How to Report on Nebraska’s Trial Courts, will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22 over Zoom. Topics will include what pitfalls to avoid, how to understand proceedings and legal language. Participants will have access to tips and tricks from the pros.

The discussion will be moderated by seasoned journalists Chris Graves and Bill Kelly.

Graves is an assistant professor in the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Prior to joining the faculty in 2019, Graves spent years as a reporter, line editor, assistant city editor, managing editor and columnist for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Cincinnati Enquirer and Minnesota Public Radio. Her crime and justice work has been featured in documentaries, television shows, National Public Radio and referenced in numerous books. In 2018, she was a member of the Cincinnati Enquirer team awarded the Pulitzer Prize for local reporting.

Kelly oversees production of Nebraska Public Media's news documentaries and reports for radio. Most recently, Kelly produced documentaries on rural law enforcement, Nebraska floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Michigan native joined Nebraska Public Media in 1990 and has a special interest in covering the courts and criminal justice system. An Emmy award-winning journalist, Kelly graduated from Purdue University. He worked at television stations in Lafayette, Indiana, Wichita, Kansas and Omaha.

This discussion is presented free to participants. To learn more and register, please visit https://journalism.unl.edu/how-report-nebraska%E2%80%99s-trial-courts.

Professional development workshops from the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications will help alumni and industry professionals gain cutting-edge skills and knowledge to advance their careers. Participants will learn from award-winning Big Ten faculty and accomplished professionals. Workshops are designed with industry professionals in mind. To learn more about upcoming workshops, visit https://journalism.unl.edu/professional-development.

Contact: Chris Graves, chris.graves@unl.edu, 402-472-4051