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Beat Academy: Polarized America (2025)

$15.00

Beat Academy: Polarized America (2025)

Poynter’s Beat Academy offers deeper understanding of Polarization in America and Christian Nationalism to empower newsrooms to foster understanding and inspire meaningful dialogue.

February 20, 2025– February 27, 2025

Overview

  • There are two 75-minute webinars at 1:00-2:15 pm Eastern, on Feb. 20 and 27.
  • Webinar 1 will focus on the data on polarization in the US and the coverage strategies that can get beyond it.
  • Webinar 2 will focus on Christian Nationalism, the larger patchwork of Christian Nationalist issues and the organization
  • The cost for both webinars is $15; the webinars are open to all journalists in any format.
  • Watch both sessions to apply for 1 of 25 expenses-paid seats at an April 23-24 workshop in the Great Lakes.
  • Participants in the in-person workshop can apply for eight reporting grants of up to $6,500.
  • Successful grant applications will propose tangible work addressing the dynamics covered in the two webinars.

$15.00

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Learning Outcomes

In this course, you will gain:

  • No-cost methods to get past information silos and connect with a wider audience.
  • A list of the common habits of reporting and writing that can trigger polarized reactions.
  • How to use services like Tangle and Flip Side to help add nuance to your coverage of hot button issues.
  • A menu of coverage strategies that allow different members of the community to see their lives reflected in your reports.
  • Steps to strengthen your practice of upholding core civic principles.
  • A deeper understanding of Christian Nationalism and its adherents.
  • An approach that centers Christian voices in critical reporting on Christian Nationalism.
  • An approach that includes the voices of non-Christians, including agnostics and atheists.
  • More details on the larger quiltwork of Christian Nationalism issues and identify the prominent funding streams that contribute to it.
  • Questions to help you identify the type of Christian Nationalist you're engaging with; it’s not a single, unified movement.

$15.00

Overview

  • There are two 75-minute webinars at 1:00-2:15 pm Eastern, on Feb. 20 and 27.
  • Webinar 1 will focus on the data on polarization in the US and the coverage strategies that can get beyond it.
  • Webinar 2 will focus on Christian Nationalism, the larger patchwork of Christian Nationalist issues and the organization
  • The cost for both webinars is $15; the webinars are open to all journalists in any format.
  • Watch both sessions to apply for 1 of 25 expenses-paid seats at an April 23-24 workshop in the Great Lakes.
  • Participants in the in-person workshop can apply for eight reporting grants of up to $6,500.
  • Successful grant applications will propose tangible work addressing the dynamics covered in the two webinars.

Training five or more people?
Check out our custom training.

America is more politically polarized than ever, and journalists face the daunting challenge of covering divisive topics while fostering understanding and trust. Beat Academy invites you to two essential webinars designed to help you navigate this complexity with confidence. 

The first webinar focuses on understanding polarization and adopting practical, research-backed strategies to report on contentious issues thoughtfully and constructively. The second delves into the growing influence of Christian Nationalism, offering insights into the coordinated effort behind its growth, the issues it touches, the range of beliefs it includes and how to cover it responsibly while centering critical Christian voices as well as the views of non-Christians and upholding civic principles.

These 75-minute webinars bring together experienced journalists and leading researchers to provide real-world strategies for tackling polarization and covering controversial issues with nuance and depth. With recordings available for all participants, you’ll also gain the opportunity to apply for an in-person workshop and story coverage grants of up to $6,500. For just $15, or free with a financial waiver, this program offers tools to not only inform but inspire change. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your reporting and connect more deeply with your audience—enroll today!

Questions?

If you need assistance or require a waiver for enrollment, please email us at beatacademy@poynter.org.

Webinar Dates: February 20 and February 27

Time: 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. Eastern

 

Workshop Dates: April 23, 2025

Time: All day



Beat Academy is designed for any journalist or producer at any stage in their career who wants to do a better job of navigating polarization in their coverage, and/or covering Christian Nationalism.

Cost: $15. If you require a waiver for the cost of course enrollment, please email beatacadeny@poynter.org for a coupon code.

Instructors

Lead Faculty

  • Jon Greenberg
    Faculty
    Jon is a faculty member at Poynter focused on boosting the impact of state and local journalism. In 2023, he launched Poynter’s Beat Academy to...
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Panelists

  • Joy Mayer
    Joy Mayer
    Director, Trusting News
    Joy Mayer is the director of Trusting News, a project that trains journalists to demonstrate credibility and earn trust in their day-to-day work. She is an...
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  • Robert Downen
    Democracy Reporter, The Texas Tribune
    Robert Downen is a reporter covering democracy and the threats to it, including extremism, disinformation and conspiracies. Before joining the Tribune in 2022, he worked for...
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  • Rachel Kleinfeld
    Senior fellow in Carnegie’s Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program
    Rachel Kleinfeld is a senior fellow in Carnegie’s Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program, where she focuses on issues of rule of law, security, and governance...
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  • Eric McDaniel
    Professor, Department of Government and Co-director of the Politics of Race and Ethnicity Lab at the University of Texas at Austin
    Professor McDaniel is a Professor in Department of Government and the co-director of the Politics of Race and Ethnicity Lab. His research examines how the...
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