Monday, April 19, 2010

RTDNA

The Radio Television Digital News Association is the world's largest professional organization exclusively serving the electronic news profession.
RTDNA has more than 3,000 members including news directors, reporters, anchors, producers, educators and students. Its core goals are to maintain journalism ethics and to preserve the free speech rights of broadcast journalists. A lot has changed since RTDNA was founded in 1946, but its commitment to encouraging excellence in the electronic journalism industry never has.
RTDNA is a membership oriented organization. For its members it provides a wealth of information on technological, industry trends, management techniques, and industry updates.
RTDNA is also an excellent source for networking between members.
Whether you're a member or not, anyone who considers themselves a journalist is encouraged to attend the annual RTDNA convention; this year it was in Las Vegas. The convention brings news professionals from all edges of the nation together to discuss the news industry: where its going, how it can be improved. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an eager college student the networking opportunities are unmatched; having everyone in the same place with a built-in happy hour is bound to create friendships.
Networking is such a big part of what RTDNA does that its website even has its own career center. Here you can check the job bulletin or post an opening and watch the strongest candidates come forth.
There is a research section for in-depth information into various topics - the big one right now: Women and Minorities in the Newsroom.
RTDNA even gives out awards including the Edward R. Murrow award for journalists who demonstrate the spirit of excellence the made Murrow a standard for the broadcast news profession.
RTDNA offers scholarships for students pursuing careers in radio, television and digital news. In addition recipients are awarded an expenses-paid trip to the RTDNA International Conference and a one-year membership.
There is a "Best Practices" section which offers information, tips and links to everything you'll need to gain a greater understanding of how to report in difficult situations or on difficult topics.
And of course the "Communicator" tab offers various multimedia content and up to the minute info on everything RTDNA is doing.

Over all I give rtdna.org a 5 out of 5. This is the complete package. Whether you're a member or not the resources seem limitless for everything from networking to researching to getting the latest updates. I've seen the conference first hand and having the opportunity to meet so many top level professionals is an unrivaled experience; the forums are simply unmatched.
RTDNA is the leading broadcast journalism organization for a reason: they go all out for their members and non-members. Come for the networking, stay for the prolific information.

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